It’s tough to list anything positive about cancer but if I’m to pick something it’s the valiant effort of friends and family all looking to raise money for me and causes close to my heart. As I continue with my treatment I hope this page fills with some of the fun, crazy and darn right stupid things you’re all doing.
Thank you all, I’m truly privileged to have you in my life!
Christmas Presents for the Children at The Royal Marsden – December 2018
Last Christmas there was a very real possibility that I would be spending Christmas Day in hospital. Even at 31 years old this felt like a truly awful prospect. Fortunately it didn’t happen but it made me think about all the poor children being treated over Christmas who perhaps weren’t so lucky. As I was hosting Christmas this year I decided to ban Christmas presents from the day. Instead I used the money I would spend on presents for the children. As word got around I was totally chuffed to receive donations and gifts from friends and family who wanted to contribute. In the end I think you’ll agree I gathered a decent collection. Next year I hope to double this and maybe donate to the children’s ward at St George’s Hosptial too. Watch this space!
An Explosion of Colour – November 2018
I was totally overwhelmed and overjoyed by the number of people who turned out to support me at my ‘An Explosion of Colour’ party. It was a truly fabulous evening and my thanks go out to the Zuzu Men for their awesome set and Slim for his slick DJ-ing, there were some interesting shapes being thrown in the dancefloor – just how I like it!!!! In the end we raised a total of £2,350 for the Royal Marsden and the money is specifically going to their GI research centre
Templars walk – July 2018
Last weekend a good friend of my brother’s Aiden (pictured on Ben’s right in the middle of this photo) organised a charity walk along the Templars Way. There was a great turn out with over 20 friends joining him and Ben on the trek.
Given how hot it was last weekend I’ve no idea how they all got round without collapsing but fantastic effort by everyone and great to see so much support given to my family. If you look closely enough you’ll even see mum and dad there taking part!
Coffee and cake sale with beauty treatments – June 2018
The lovely lady in the middle of this photo is called Grace. Grace is an old friend of my parents. During Christmas last year we were all shocked and saddened to hear that she too had been fighting her own cancer battle but it’s with great joy that I can say she is in remission and on the road to recovery. Long may it continue!
I was so touched last month when I received a donation towards my just giving page from Grace. She along with her daughter, Charlotte, and her mother, Joan, held a bake sale in my name with Grace’s sister Dawn kindly offering to do free beauty treatments on the day too.
Sorry I wasn’t there to say thank you in person but from the bottom of my heart I was so touched by this, so thank you guys.
Mount Snowdon climb – May 2018
My great friend Nic (on the left) and some of her buddies climbed Mount Snowdon, raising some funds for me in the process.
I spent three summers working with Nic at a language school in Torquay. I still look back at those times with fond memories, full of chaos and laughter. Nic is without doubt the nuttiest person I know, to this day I still love that I can never be fully sure quite what she is going to say or do but I can always be certain it will have me rolling around laughing.
Thanks Nic and friends, much appreciated.
London to Paris Cycle Ride – Paris, May 2018
My brilliantly crazy brother decided to put the world’s most expensive toilet roll holder (well observed by my housemate) to its proper use and cycle off to Paris with 10 of his mates. ‘Sangchi’s Sore Saddles’, as they amusingly named themselves, had very little experience between the group. I can personally say I don’t think I’ve ever seen my brother cover more than 30 odd miles on a bike at a given time so it was entertaining hearing all the stories come through as the miles accumulated and the bums deteriorated!
I’m truly touched that Ben’s friends are supporting him through this and gave up their bank holiday to raise money for me.
Allsop LLP Girls vs Boys Charity Netball Match – London, May 2018
Allsop LLP (the fantastically supportive firm I work for) did something amazing and shut the office for an afternoon to host a guys vs girls charity netball tournament (it goes without saying the girls won and the guys rather sheepishly conceded that it wasn’t just an easy game of catch 😂). We raised over £5,000 and the amount is still growing. Not bad for a firm of approximately 200 staff! All money raised is going to Bowel Cancer UK and Shine.
Bristol 10k – Bristol, May 2018
Busy enough juggling two kids whilst starting up her own greetings cards business, my good friend Lizzie took on the Bristol 10k challenge and completed it in fine form. Thanks Liz, splendid achievement.
P.s. if your looking for some beautifully designed animal themed greetings cards I’d thoroughly recommend her company, Penguin Ink. Take a look and see for yourself how great her designs are.
Tough Mudder – Henley, May 2018
The first May bank holiday of 2018 and boy was it a scorcher. Undeterred by the heat my brother and a group of his friends powered on round the course completing all the challenges they faced along the way. I’ll be honest, when they sent me pics of them enjoying 9am gin and tonics on the mini bus I wasn’t sure they’d complete it but I was thrilled to be there cheering them over the finish line.
Incurable Curiosity 