My story

This story is told to illustrate how important research is and the successes that have kept me going for 13 years and more to come.

Please note every penny donated goes to the Myeloma charity. I am paying for the challenge myself.

In August 2013 after suffering for several months with back pain I was rushed into Queen's Hospital, Romford. I collapsed while at home and found I had lost feeling in my legs and I could not stand, essentially I lost the ability to walk and move freely.

Nicki my partner was on hand and despite my protests she thankfully called an ambulance and I was rushed to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford who arranged for me to be transferred to Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Romford

An MRI scan discovered a cancerous tumour on my spine which had to be removed urgently. Prior to the operation I was informed by the doctors with my partner and sons present that it was probably cancer and it was unlikely I would walk again. I was keen on my sports, ran marathons, played and coached squash and enjoyed a round of golf.

Several days after the operation it was confirmed that I had Multiple Myeloma, which is an incurable blood cancer.

Now for the good news. Although there is no cure the cancer can be managed for several years, on hearing this I realised I would have a few years ahead of me. With this information my partner Niki who cycled London to Paris with me for Myeloma UK in 2017.

She fought very hard for me to move to the RNOH which is a spinal recovery centre based in Middlesex. Thanks to them and a lot of faith from the people I am closest to.

The prognosis was still I would not walk again I started the process of learning to get back on my feet independently. No promises were made by the team at the RNOH, even though I was getting some movement back into my legs.

Every day I spent time in the gym with my Chartered Physio who worked very hard to get me upright. The improvement was slow but gradually after several months in a wheelchair, I progressed to a frame, then crutches, walking sticks. Now I get around with the aid of a walking stick.

I received stem cell treatment twice at St Barthlomew's Hospital, London (where I am now an outpatient) in February 2014 and March 2017. Again I responded very positively to the treatment.

I have been attending St Barthlomew's Hospital for over 10 years for treatment, I am now on my fourth line and I have to say that my experiences at this great hospital have only been positive. The advice and treatment I have and am receiving is without doubt been first class, from the senior consultant to all the nurses on the 7th floor (hematology ward). They are extremely professional, knowledge, understanding, have the patience of a saint (which they need), the list goes on.

I have no doubt that without there help I would not be here now, nor would I have achieved the my cycle rides or the my next great challenge.

I still play golf (badly) attend the gym, enjoy gardening, I have a season ticket at West Ham (good or bad) and a very good strong family life, these are all things would be lost to me from my initial diagnose.

A special thank you to St Barts.

I had the opportunity in 2017 to opt in to a trial of a new drug to which was a great success and gave me three additional years (I hope I have contributed to similar success for other Myeloma sufferers.

I have now cycled London to Paris three times once on a virtual platform during lockdown and I am proud to say raised several thousand pounds for the Myeloma UK charity for which the funds go towards finding a cure for this blood cancer.

The Myeloma has a habit of rearing its ugly head from time to time this has resulted in a tumour presenting itself on my chest, in addition having a metal rod fitted into my right arm where the bone had eroded, this also meant going onto a different level of medication and just recently a nasty appeared on my spine that required further treatment e.g. radiotherapy and a further change of mediation.

The Myeloma is still there and always will be, but I have learned to live with that. I have been given the opportunity to make the most of the time I have left and would like to give the same opportunity to other people and contribute to a possible future cure.

So don't be shy when donating this is a nasty disease that can be cured with ongoing development.

Please note: I am paying for the trip myself that include flight, accommodation, visa etc, all the money goes to the charity.