Gareth's Race for Life

Hi, many thanks for visiting my just giving page and for those who have donated, I cant thank you enough. I have seen my mum, my wife, my daughter and step-daughters all take part in events throughout the last couple of years and it always makes me proud to see them cross that finishing line with all the others who take part to raise money for a very worthy cause. I have felt frustrated in the past that us blokes were not able to take part but this year that has changed. The reason I am doing this....my brother. Darrell is my only sibling, being 3 years older, has always been someone I looked up to. My brother eats well, looks after himself as best he can, doesn't smoke and has the odd sociable drink yet he has been diagnosed like many others with Cancer. Initially what was thought to be an upset stomach or something he may have eaten, turned into something that, not only he, but all the family wont forget. As time passed by, his initial troubles worsened and he picked up the courage to seek help and to get a diagnoses for what might be the cause. After many visits to and from the GP practice and attempts to seek for further investigation, he took a turn for the worse. Constantly going to the toilet, bleeding and feeling lethargic he eventually saw a doctor who got him to LRI for a scan and endoscopy where all our fears were confirmed. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon/Liver Cancer. Now having been through his first 12 courses of Chemo, and it not really making too much of an effect, he is on his 2nd lot of Chemo, already nearing half way already! He doesn't sit round whinging, moaning or saying he doesn't want to do it anymore, he just gets on with it. He has managed and coped brilliantly considering, the chemo he is on is the strongest around to date, and to have to do it all again just goes to show the type of character her is. I will run, walk, stagger, limp and even crawl to get over that finishing line as to finish this event will mean so much to me and hope that what ever I can raise for this charity can go towards supporting those going through this horrible disease. It is very true that Cancer doesn't affect you until someone close to you is diagnosed. So please give as much or as little as you can and lets try and kick Cancers ass once and for all!!