Saturday I got a call from Jason Pye who had just been diagnosed with Stage III cancer.

You may all know that I'm a cancer researcher and have for +20years worked with cancer patients in various clinical trials. Jason is my age and his call rattled me. I want to help and support Jason through the difficult journey that lays ahead of him. It is always difficult for the network around cancer patients to know how to help and support them.

Jason we can help by raising funds for the treatment needed to give him the best chance of fighting back.

The details pertaining to his diagnosis are his to tell. Give him space to come to terms with it all. But I can tell you all that he is not feeling sick and that is the bitch of cancer.

I've known Jason since I first got into IGP dogsport in Australia +20 years ago.

Jason is devoted to the working dog and dogsport. He has volunteered thousands of hours to support and helped many many people with their dogs.

I don't know how many trials I've entered where Jason has been the trial helper and/or tracklayer.

Now is the time to return the help and support that we have all received from Jason. Maybe you have been so lucky to train with him regularly. Maybe you have entered a trial where he was a trial helper and/or tracklayer. Maybe you have participated in one of the many workshops that he has been directly involved in. Count the hours that he volunteered for you and your dogs. Put a dollar figure on it and donate the amount towards his treatment.

This is a difficult time for Jason and his closest family. Be respectful of his privacy.

Let's show the bitch aka cancer that we can match the tenacity of our working dogs. Help Jason fighting back as friends do not let friends fight cancer alone.