In January 2024, my stepfather, Andy, noticed a lump on his thigh. An x-ray and CT scan at the end of March confirmed that he had cancer. At first, his consultant believed that surgery would be possible, but a week later we were told that he had lesions in his lungs and bones and that it was inoperable. Sarcomas are quite rare, but Andy had a very rare form and there are no drugs to specifically treat them.

Andy started his chemotherapy in May, and despite unpleasant side effects, he stayed hopeful, determined, and quietly courageous - choosing, always, to live life to the full. However, by the end of the year the sarcoma had grown and was causing him a great deal of pain and discomfort, making it difficult for him to mobilise. His condition continued to rapidly deteriorate and in January 2025, Andy passed away at Frimley Park Hospital. He was 65 years old.

It is hard to put into words what Andy meant to us, and to describe the person he was. Quite simply, he was a legend, one of life’s truly good people. Having met my mum when we were young adults, he never tried to change or judge us. Instead, he supported us unconditionally, in that quiet, steady way that made you feel safe just by being near him.

As soon as Andy retired, he busied himself helping others, by becoming a volunteer driver, and qualifying as a walk leader. Andy was quiet, unassuming and generous with an absolute love of life. He had many interests and hobbies and loved spending time with friends and family - he never turned down an invitation! Watching him suffer and struggle to come to terms with losing the life he so loved, was heartbreaking.

Sarcoma UK is a national charity that funds vital research, offers support to anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatment. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the bone and soft tissue. It is difficult to diagnose and one of the hardest to treat.

I am running the 2026 Brighton Marathon in Andy’s memory, and in the hope of helping others who face this devastating disease.

Thank you for visiting my page and for helping me to support a charity that means a lot to me. Your donation will help researchers find answers, keep the specialist support Line open, and raise awareness to improve treatment and standards of care.