I will be 70 this year and instead of having any lavish celebrations, I will be raising money for the Collingwood Cancer Treatment Centre in Colchester Hospital.

As you will see below, I have seen close up over many months the dedicated work of the everyone involved in the Collingwood Treatment Centre and we have decided this wonderful team of people would be the beneficiary of our fund-raising events.

In January 2023, I was diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer. A large tumour was found to be located in the oesophogus close to the heart and lungs. It quickly grew in size blocking the route for any food or drink.

After consultation and further diagnostic tests it was decided that the tumor was to be surgically removed. During the 3 ½ months prior to the operation I received all my nourishment via a specially prepared liquid nutrition pumped through a flexible tube direct into the small intestine. I lost approx. 2 ½ stone in weight during this time.

The operation itself was a long and complex one, over 10 ½ hours in duration. I quickly recovered from the surgery and started a course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to mop up any residual cancer cells.

Unfortunately, a few cancer cells found their way into the lungs and over the last 18 months I have been receiving different chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments to control the growth in the lungs. So far, these have all been ineffective. The fight continues……………

Rona and I are organising a series of afternoon tea events at our home in June with all the funds raised going to the Collingwood Treatment Centre.

Many thanks to all my family and friends as all the places are already taken!!

This page is primarily for those attending the afternoon tea events to make their contributions but is also open to anyone wishing to support this worthy cause.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU ADD GIFT AID TO YOUR DONATION!!.

The Collingwood Centre do a brilliant job providing a range of services to cancer patients. Below is a brief summary of their work.

They provide a range of systemic treatments for cancer patients including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted treatments. We also provide supportive therapies such as blood transfusions, blood products, iron infusions and venesections for haematological malignant and non-malignant disorders.

They treat around 90 patients on average per day. There are 30 clinical staff including trained chemotherapy nurses and health care assistants plus 6 administrative staff. It also operates a mobile cancer unit supported by charity Hope for Tomorrow. The mobile unit goes out to 4 different locations Tuesday- Friday to provide some treatments for patients closer to where they live.

There are currently 4 volunteers who tend to come once or twice a week morning or afternoon to provide tea/ coffee rounds for the patients having treatment on the unit.”

Every donation is greatly appreciated and makes a real and positive difference to the experience of being treated in the Collingwood Centre.