Growing up I was lucky to have two older sisters, and lots of cousins. Until I was an adult I did not realise that not everyone was as lucky to have the childhood memories that I have of my family. We had a ball growing up surrounded by lots of love and laughter, holidays, celebrations with the South Avenue massive.
Growing up cancer has always been something I was aware of our extended family has been affected over the years. With Cancer affecting so many people its not always a shock when you hear someone else has been diagnosed . Cancer has become part of everyday life, we are often sad to hear the news but is not uncommon. Often we go years without it touching our life...............then your world will change forever.
I was sitting at work on a Tuesday morning and I was thinking about my dad, dropped him a text to ask how he was feeling.......... he replied to say he was at hospital about to have a CT scan. This was the day that my world changed forever.
World Cancer day 2016 my dad had his appointment with his oncologist to confirm our fears, my dad was terminal.
We had a family meal just us 5 My mum dad and sisters. One of my blurred memories from that night was that my dad laughed a lot about the fact that he found out on world cancer day and his Macmillan nurses name was Jolly +Macmillan Cancer Support . Laughter was needed and I didn't expect anything other from my dad.
The days and weeks that followed were hard to adjust to - How to you carry on with life as we knew it knowing that at some point soon my dad will no longer be here? The questions that filled my mind at night were torture and so consuming.
I often felt really selfish for being consumed by it all when my dad was the one that had to face this journey. In the sleepless nights that followed I thought about my parents and what losses they had experienced in life and the fact that life simply carries on. They have managed to dust themselves off and carry on.
Dad had six months off work whilst he was having chemo - my thoughts were initially this is where I am going to loose my dad he isn't going to be the same after, he will change appearance and its the start of a terrible time.
This was not the case with my dad, chemo was hard going and by no way fun but Dad smashed it. Dad is currently on a break from chemo as always we are waiting to find out what the next treatment plan is - for now we get to enjoy Christmas.
My Story is no different from any other family that has been effected by cancer - the world carries on even when you are just want it to stop it simply carries on.
Macmillan +Macmillan Cancer Support were a great support for my family. Not only was Jolly a great help for both my dad & my mum, they could always call her with any questions they had on how my dad was feeling or what to expect next. They also gave my parents great advice on what was available to them.
I decided to run for Macmillan because I think without the hope and support from charities like this - what would we have?
I run because it helps me - I am slow coach but I always feel I have won the race!!! But it makes me look at other runners and think whats their story?
This race is tough - believe me I didn't think i would want to run it ever again!
Some one recently was moaning about sponsorship and he hates having to sponsor people to run it! His comments stuck with me and made me want to explain a bit about why I had chosen to run this year and why I would ask you to give up a few £££ to help.........Because you never know when you may need the support of a charity like +Macmillan Cancer Support. Yes some people run for self glory and achievement and why the hell not? Life is short fill it with the things you want to achieve.
So here it is.....
http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/amywhittingham
If you could help - it would mean the world to know that I have been able to help raise funds for another family that need +Macmillan Cancer Support support in a time when you you are feeling your worst.
You never know when your world will change. Make time for the people you love make sure you tell them all the things you want to say before its too late.
Cancer totally sucks - so Dad carry on kicking cancers arse I need you around for a bit longer. Friends fighting it - keep going!!!
Thanks for reading
Ams XOXO
