Our chosen charity for 2026 is Cancer Research UK

John Mahoney chose this cause for very personal reasons. He said;

I hope none of you ever benefit from this charity, but unfortunately that is very unlikely to be the case.

Nobody in the group knows, but about four years ago my mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She had it in the lining of her stomach, and a few places in her liver. The only chance of prolonging her life, was pretty major surgery which she bravely went ahead with. The surgery was hard to recover from, and things were touch and go for a while. The next year was full of tests and scans, and resulted in the heartbreaking news that they had missed some of it, and the cancer was still there. It hadn’t worked. The surgery had left her in constant pain which is probably lifelong, and the cancer was still there. Heartbreaking. After more tests and scans, she was given the option of further surgery, and to be placed on a fairly new hormone drug in the hope that it would have an effect.

Now, many of you would have seen my dad (Ted) either folding raffle tickets at Echo Live or slowly walking the hall trying to pick up a bargain. Something he has been doing since I was a child. My dad has been married to my mum for over 50 years. They are truly soul mates, best friends and spend every waking moment of every day in each other’s company. I don’t think they have ever been apart. They walk along holding hands, and did exactly that as my dad walked my mum into hospital for surgery.

My dad’s a strong old man, but I will never forget the pain I saw on his face, when we found out my mums cancer had returned. My dad was a broken man. His life is my mum, I honestly don’t know how he would cope without her.

More for my dads benefit I think, despite being left in pain from the first surgery, and the surgery not really working, my mum bravely decided to go ahead with another operation, and to take this new medication.

Just a week ago, we found out the incredible news that my mum is currently cancer free. Our own mini miracle. All thanks to advancements in treatment and medication, Ted still has my mum, his soul mate and best friend around for many years to come.

We are all aware that very sadly it’s not always a success story. My wife’s mum Lynne had a similar battle with cancer a few years ago, and unfortunately treatment didn’t work and my wife had the heartbreak of losing her mum, her true best friend. We have seen on the group, the cruel heartbreak this awful disease has caused others. People we love and care about, losing people sometimes in the cruelest of circumstances. Treatment that hasn’t worked, leaving the disease to at times take away life angels. You know who you are mate and my heart still breaks for you 😢❤️.

But I truly believe that because of this charity, Ted still has his soul mate, his best friend and I still have my mum. My nominated charity for this year, is Cancer research UK. I make the nomination on behalf of my wife’s late mum Lynne, my mum, and our groups angel who was taken far too soon. On behalf of the admin team, our wonderful members, and on behalf of anyone, any of us may know who may be touched by this awful disease! Our groups fundraising could really help many more families avoid the heartache some have suffered, and help more of us have good news instead. Lots of love to you all. Please dig deep 🙏❤️. Thank you.