Trucker Gerry's Giving Page

I'm raising money in celebration of the amazing scientists, the fabulous nurses and everyone who is putting hard work into Cancer Research UK! Cancer research is very close to my heart and I have been connected to the charity for many years both through fundraising and through experiencing its medical benefits. The first time I faced the shock and fear of cancer was when my mother was diagnosed in 1998. FUND RAISER OR CANCER PATIENT? Seven years after the loss of my mother, in the midst of running a business, I sauntered to the Dr. with an itch in my ear. A week later I was undergoing an operation to remove cancerous tumors from my neck and then a few days later I was told that it had spread to the base of my tongue. I underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatment with no guarantee of what the outcome would be. This involved remaining in the hospital for 8 months. This was a life changing experience for me. Witnessing the suffering of others affected me deeply, but I also could see that treatments, as a result of research were saving people's lives. FUND RAISER OR CANCER PATIENT? During the next 10 years fundraising became my passion. With the help and support from many people and businesses I entered many fundraising events, These included the Coast to Coast; Great North Swim; Parachuting; a Bungi Jumps and many half marathons. FUND RAISER OR CANCER PATIENT? In 2016 I was out cycling, building up my fitness levels for the next event when I went headlong over the handlebars. After having an MRI to check for injuries the Dr. told me that they had detected a tumor in my lungs. FUND RAISER OR CANCER PATIENT? I underwent a successful operation to remove a portion of my lung and was just getting my fitness back 7 months later when I was informed, during a check up, that cancer had been detected in the other lung. FUND RAISER OR CANCER PATIENT? I decided not to undergo any further treatment, put my faith in God and kept my fitness regime going. I pray every day and know that my Christian family and friends have been saying prayers for me too. FUND RAISER OR CANCER PATIENT? I was interested in entering a clinical trial that could help further Cancer Research and was in discussions with the Specialists to this end. FUND RAISER OR CANCER PATIENT? Three months later whilst in a consultation with the doctors in Cancer Research I was taken aback by the puzzlement on their faces as they observed my most resent lung scan. They told me that they needed further consultations. The following week I met with an oncologist who verified that the Tumour was shrinking and I was cancer free and YES I'M NO LONGER A PATIENT ONLY A FUNDRAISER FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK! I have taken part in many Fund Raising Events events: Great North Swim June 10th 2018 Great North Run September 9th 2018 Great Bristol Run 23rd September 2018 Great Cumberland Run 7th October 2018 THE LONDON MARATHON April 28th 2019 Great Manchester Run May 19th 2019 Great North Swim June 9th 2019 Great North Run September 8th 2019 I would like to say a BIG THANKYOU to all the Dr's, Specialists and Staff at the Freemans in Newcastle, the Dr's and Nurses at the Cumberland Infirmary and Reiver House and the Dr's and Nurses at my local Surgery on Spencer Street. Too many to name, but you all know who you are. Also a special thankyou to Kate, a classical violinist, who's Heavenly music lifted me from a dark day when i was lost in my thoughts wandering through town one day. I followed the music through town till i found her standing in the terrible weather, playing away and surrounded by Cancer Research buckets. Another gift from God to keep me on my path. Thankyou to everyone taking the time to read this and a BIG THANKYOU to those who donate to this wonderful cause. BLESS YOU ALL and MAY YOUR GOD BE WITH YOU.