It’s been an amazing weekend watching the Olympics. Usain Bolt caused parts of London to dance in the streets and the cheers to be heard half a mile from the stadium as he raised the roof. Andy Murray caused mass weeping with his gold and Mo Farah made a nation very proud.
But in amongst all the elation and excitement, we’ve been thinking about all the other people whose lives are also so focused and full of hard work and emotional commitment because they are ill. There is no expression more apt than ‘as long as you’ve got your health…’
Hundreds of people each week in the UK are diagnosed with cancer and overnight their lives change. They have to develop the kind of focus of a gold medallist in order to be able to keep the familiarities of their old life and the fear and uncertainty of their new life. They are forced to comtemplate their mortality and become harbingers of doom to those they love, breaking news of bad things. Everything is new and uncertain and you’re set on a path you have no map for as you try to navigate the bureaucracy of sick leave, benefits, the NHS and insurance policies. Emotions are heightened and swirl anxiously as you aim for each event and treatment with a steely-mindedness of a sportsman. Everything takes all your energy at a time when ill health depletes it.
Just like the Olympics are being made so much easier and organised by the GamesMakers who have come out clad in purple and enthusiasm, it’s the other people who have experienced cancer that help ease the difficulty for the those currently fighting it. They offer advice, experience and show that people can and do come through this illness. They are invaluable. Combined with friends and family being supportive, it’s like having that home crowd cheer you on!
In the week that we are receiving so much love and support to raise money for Patricia’s appeal, we want to remind everyone else out there in a similar situation that we’ve thinking of them and although we’re specifically raising money for Patricia, we’re doing the benefit for everyone touched by cancer. Please show your support by coming along or buying tickets or even just asking someone you know in a similar situation what you can do to help. Strength in this situation comes from numbers and we have more to win than medal if everyone helps….
Tags: Belfast Barge Extravaganza, cancer appeal, gold medal efforts, Locker Appeal, Patricia Locker
