2020 has had its challenges, as we all know! A few days before Christmas and only a week after my 35th birthday, following a routine blood test, I received an urgent call from my GP, who had arranged an appointment for me to see her the very next day. It turned out the fatigue, exhaustion and pins and needles I was regularly experiencing was because of anaemia. My Haemoglobin levels were less than half the average males.

In January 2021 my wife, Zoe, I and our two children Eden (4) and Amos (2) were supposed to be on a family holiday. Instead it was filled with multiple GP appointments and an iron infusion; before a colonoscopy showed I had a tumour in the large intestine. The tumour had closed 90% of the large intestine and was bleeding (which was causing my anaemia).

Six days later colorectal surgery was performed successfully. Three days later pathology confirmed the tumour was cancerous and had spread to the lymphatic system, classifying the cancer as Stage 3, requiring Chemotherapy. This all happened so quickly it wasn't till in hospital recovering I was able to start processing the situation, results and future impact to me and our family.

For the past 5 months I have received amazing care from the oncologist and nurses at the Central Districts

Calvary Hospital. Each fortnight receiving a chemotherapy treatment. This involves a 4-6 hour session in hospital, followed by 48 hours of treatment at home. I react differently to each treatment depending on my mental and physical health. Usual side effects I experience are nausea, fatigue, reflux, vertigo and nerve damage.

Zoe and I have been greatly blessed to receive emotional and physical support through meals from members of our faith at the Salisbury Christadelphian Ecclesia. Likewise Income Protection has been an enormous help. However, our savings have had to be used to offset the numerous medical expenses and reduced income. The bank has helped by not requiring our usual mortgage repayments, even though the mortgage continues the accumulate interest. It's a short term fix for now.

With only 3 treatments remaining we are planning our short and long term future, post chemotherapy. Whilst we don't have a full picture as to what that looks like yet. We would firstly like to take the kids away on a holiday to build some positive memories, especially before Eden starts school next year and life gets even busier. Secondly, any additional donations will help us pay off the interest held on our mortgage over 2021.

Thank you for your kind donations, we greatly appreciate your support and generosity.

Dan, Zoe, Eden and Amos