There is no feeling like being told that your loved one is sick. You hear the news and you know "this is going to be tough".

In 2018 my mum was diagnosed with cancer; lymphoma to be more exact. Her mum had passed due to cancer years before, and it only made the diagnosis scarier. Yet, somehow she stayed strong. She went to therapy, followed the advice of doctors even on days when it was tough, and she kept going with the support of my dad, my twin, and me.

In 2022 my dad got diagnosed with cancer in the throat and tonsils. My dad is nothing if not an extremely strong man. One of his favourite mottos is “We take it as it comes", which often translates to him having a laissez-faire approach to self-care and his eating habits. Yet, this was not an option when he started treatment. He went on a rigorous diet of punctual eating of non-acidic food, meditation, and physical self-care along with the treatment. He adjusted his whole way of living, and I cried as his throat kept getting worse until I no longer recognised his voice.

Today, my dad's voice is back and both he and my mum are in remission. The cancer continues to take its toll but I am ever amazed at how strong they both were and continue to be.

Both their cancers are related to having had previous illnesses that they knew nothing about. Growing up, we catch so many different viruses thinking that it is over once we get better, but with cancer the body keeps the score for the rest of our lives.

Today, both of my parents are alive due to the technical advances that have been made in cancer research for the last few years. Worldwide Cancer Research not only focuses on finding a cure but also understanding the preventive measures we can take in the first place. So I am fundraising until the 30th of August to raise money for this amazing charity. I am going to Zip-line across the River Clyde because although height is one of my greatest fears, it will never beat my fear of cancer. So please donate, not for me but for the many loved ones across the globe who will benefit in the long run from more research. And please have a good day.