In 2013 I received a late diagnosis of stomach cancer. I was fortunate enough to be referred to the Oesophago-gastric Unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, which is among world leaders in treating killer cancers of the stomach and oesophagus.

The Unit works with other centres across the globe to ensure it delivers the best possible treatment and care, including robotic surgery and pioneering endoscopic surgery. It shares its expertise with other NHS centres to help drive up survival rates for these difficult-to-detect killer cancers.

Now, after 12 years being cancer-free, I want to give something back – please join me in raising money for research, patient care and raising awareness of gastric cancers, now one of the biggest cancer killers in the UK. Newcastle Hospitals Charity will ensure all funds go to Oesophagoose, to support the work of Oesophago-gastric Unit.