Joseph's Giving Page

I find it hard to think of a member of my family that has passed away from anything other than some form of cancer. My dad, grandparents, sister, aunts, uncles and cousins. In fact I can count on one hand those that I know of that haven't died from cancer in some guise. My dad was diagnosed with later stage cancer of the bladder and was advised to have surgery to remove the bulk of the tumour and follow this up with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He had the surgery and the radiotherapy but due to some ill advised information he decided not to have the chemotherapy and felt that this would have too large an effect on his quality of life. Not having the chemotherapy meant that the cancer quickly spread from his bladder into other areas of his body. The biggest impact was when the cancer got into his bones The cancer had spread into his spine and arms causing some of his vertebrae to crumble and his upper arm to fracture. The damage to his spine meant that there was now pressure on his spinal cord and resulted in a hugely reduced ability to move without the help of someone else and it also meant that he no longer had full control of his bladder and bowel. We had to watch a once strong independent man; that despite being in his 70's was still working as a mechanic, become frail and needing constant assistance in a very short space of time and in April 2013 we lost our dad to cancer. . I am taking part in Cancer Research's Shine Night Walk 2018. This is a 26.2 mile walk through London overnight. This is the third time I will have undertaken this challenge and whilst I am looking forward to it I know that its no easy task. So I would be hugely grateful for any support you might be able to offer as I prepare for blisters and achy joints! Anything is hugely appreciated no matter how little you can spare. Each year Cancer Research UK’s scientists get closer to beating cancer, and they’ve helped double survival rates in the last 40 years. But we can’t stop there. Only with our continued support can they turn this research into breakthroughs that save millions of lives. Every single pound you donate makes a difference to Cancer Research UK’s groundbreaking work, so please sponsor me now. Donating through this page is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with Cancer Research UK.