STEVE'S CANCER JOURNEY



I was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer) in 2019. During surgery at the Christie Hospital to remove the cancer from my thigh it was also found in nearby lymph nodes which had been also removed and tested. This meant cancer may have spread to other parts of my body.

I then had an intravenous infusion of Immunotherapy every 3 weeks for a year (17 doses in all) and subsequently head and body scans every 6 months for 5 years.

The great news is that earlier this year I was discharged from the Christie!

I received first class treatment and empathic care at every stage of my cancer journey and I am incredibly grateful to the researchers who developed the ground breaking treatment (a few years ago a stage 3 Malignant Melanoma was likely to be a terminal diagnosis), to the Christie Hospital staff and infrastructure and to the Charity "Melanoma Focus" that funds research and gives vital support to patients.

Last Sunday I rode in Chris Hoy's (He has stage 4 cancer and tragically has a terminal diagnosis) Tour de 4 Cycle Challenge red route from Glasgow 56 miles and 3700 feet of ascent starting from Glasgow, in aid of Cancer Research UK. (It was the longest route and tough with wind and rain thrown in!)

I am also intending in late October to do a ride of my own from and back to the Christie in aid of the Christie Hospital and the Melanoma Focus Charity. Details will be available nearer the time.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message.

Any support for either event (or split between the two if appropriate) will be very gratefully received and very much appreciated.

With every good wish,

Steve.