In January we received the news that Dad's throat cancer had returned. Nothing can prepare you for hearing those words, especially having to face it all over again.

There were signs. Dad had lost a lot of weight, developed a distinctive cough, was struggling to swallow and by Christmas 2023 couldn't get any food down at all.

From firstly being told there was little the doctors could do, we were so grateful to hear there was a route forward involving a laryngectomy. This is a major operation to remove the growing tumour from Dad's throat which was attached to his voice box, taking a team of 20 doctors and surgeons nine hours to complete, led by the amazing Ms. Roche & Mr. Safranek at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. After an agonising nine hour wait, we got the phone call that the operation was a success.

As the surgery involved removing Dad's larynx, it has resulted in permanent voice loss and breathing through a hole (stoma) in his neck for life. We know there will be tough times ahead and a lot of changes to adapt to, but without the quick response and incredible care from the ENT team at Addenbrooke's, Dad would not be where he is today.

After eight weeks in ICU and the Treatment Centre ENT ward, under the care of the amazing nurses in M5 who made him feel comfortable and put a smile on his face every day, Dad is now home, into recovery and slowly regaining his fitness.

I can't even put into words just how brave, courageous and strong he has been to face this terrifying journey head on, and I will forever be so proud of his absolute determination not to let this evil disease win.

Dad has always loved running and as a goal, we will be running the London Vitality 10k together this September. We will be raising money for Addenbrooke's Hospital and the wonderful surgeons who we owe so much to, for saving my dad's life.

Thank you so much for your support and donations!