ITV interview about early diagnosis of cancer
Today I was interviewed by ITV news about the importance of early diagnosis of cancer. I’m writing a blog on this subject as I have a lot to say about it. This is just a quick message to share the link and to also say that if you aren’t feeling right… Visit your Doctor and GET CHECKED OUT!
It costs nothing but your time and may help save your life like it helped save mine.
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View the video
http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-09-22/action-needed-to-give-cancer-patients-a-fighting-chance/
The route
I did this little video the other day chatting about my future route around the other side of the world. It’s much longer than i’d like but I kind of say everything I wanted to say in it so I kept it the same.
It’s also firm proof that my writing is better than my presenting skills! 
I will still be uploading the things I do from my list onto my YouTube channel and website as the quality is better but I thought it might be nice to do a little personal video blog every now and again.
I hope you enjoy the next 5 minutes of waffle! And for the record my mum and dad don’t make me sleep in the kitchen which is what I elude to in the first sentence!:)
Happy Sunday everyone
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No more sailing for me
It turns out that perhaps I should have taken my surname more seriously after all. I am indeed a Trout. I love being in the water rather than sitting on top it. My sea legs aren’t what I’d thought they would be.
Last weekend I took part in the Hamble to Cherbourg race across the English Channel and It was then I decided not take part in the Transatlantic race 2015.
We set off at 7pm on Friday night and arrived in France almost 24 hours later.
It was about halfway through the race that I decided that maybe this is not for me.
The reason I have dropped out of taking part in the transatlantic is simply because I wasn’t looking forward to doing it. 101 Things among lots of other things is about having things to look forward to and doing the things you want to do in life. Unfortunately doing the transatlantic race filled with more dread than it did excitement.
France made me realise just how long 2.5 weeks on a boat actually is. The rest of the team absolutely love sailing but I find that it is not something I dream of doing anymore.
When I did Angelride in the States I found that I actually enjoyed cycling. I loved being on a bike and seeing the scenery change. It was incredibly tough and when I got to a hill my heart would drop a little but but once I got to the top i knew there would be a part where I could go downhill and go as fast as I possible could. I absolutely loved the downhill bits. After France I now wonder what parts I will enjoy or look forward to the most when on the Atlantic. I fear the novelty of being in the middle of the Atlantic might ware off pretty fast.
To do this race is not just about the 3 weeks it would actually take to sail across the Atlantic. Doing this race affects my entire trip from here on in. It puts both further financial and time constraints on my trip and would mean that I’d be rushing around. The beauty of the first part of my trip was that I had the freedom to go where I wanted when I wanted. I had planned only one thing before I left the UK and that was Raleigh international. The rest I just discovered as I went. What a wonderful and rare way of life to have.
There are some decisions I’ve made on my trip so far which I questioned when I made them. When I decided to go to the States I thought it might be a bad decision but it all worked out. As soon as I made the decision not to take part in the transatlantic I knew instantly it was the right decision and I haven’t regretted it.
I did fret about the money I’d spent on the sailing that I did do. Sailing, which I didn’t realise is very expensive. For a brief moment I thought ‘oh no what have I done?’. I don’t have much money left so this was a big chunk of change to spend on something I am no longer doing.
After a chat with Kirsty I then realised that I had achieved and learned so much by trying something new. I took part in an in shore racing event and experienced the thrill of a sailing competition, I sailed across the English Channel, I experienced my shortest visit to another country ever when we stopped in France for a quick beer (see pic) but most of all I made some new friends and that can never be a bad thing.
I said lots of things in previous posts about what I hoped to achieve by taking part in this race but I was reminded by my brother that this is my trip and I should follow my heart and do the things I want to do. I know this is selfish but I’m not sure how many opportunities I’ll get to do a trip like this, so first and foremost I need to make sure it’s one that I enjoy and I am excited about.
I just want to say a huge thank you to the crew of the Scarlet Oyster for affording me the opportunity to take part in this wonderful challenge. I think the Ellen MacArthur cancer trust is a wonderful charity and one which will continue to help a lot of people.
I will be cheering you on from terra firma and I wish you all the very best for future.
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An evening with Shine Cancer Support
On Tuesday night I was invited to chat to the wonderful people at the Shine Cancer Support group in London.
Shine Cancer Support are a charity which provide tailored information and peer support for anyone in their 20s, 30s or 40s diagnosed with any cancer. They do this through a range of activities including lunches and drinks evenings, beach walks, multi-day getaways, workshops, online networking, and mentoring.
We all met up in a pub in Covent Garden and I told the gang about my experiences with cancer and PTSD as well as a wee trip is just been on. We had a lovely time and I met people who are currently fighting cancer, some who have beaten it and some who had recently been diagnosed.
During my chat I confessed that even as someone who’s been through cancer I often find I don’t really know what to say to others who are currently fighting it. Do I say something inspiring and profound? I think many people feel like that but we discussed it and we all agreed that the best thing you can do is to just listen. Sometimes that’s all we need to help us through the dark times. I know that’s what I needed.
I met some amazing people that night and I think this is a wonderful way of helping people cope with the effects of cancer.
During my worst period with PTSD I found I felt very alone. It was difficult for people to understand why I was going through this as the doctors had told me I was better and that the cancer had gone. Unfortunately at the time my mind chose not to believe that fact.
As I told the gang of my experiences with PTSD I was met with many nodding heads and expressions of ‘I know what that’s like’.
I would have liked to have gone to one of these events during my cancer as an adult. Sometimes it’s just nice to be around people who just ‘get it’ so you don’t feel alone or that you are losing your mind.
I was really honoured to have been asked to attend one of their get togethers and speak of my experiences and my 101 trip. It was all very informal and I saw lots of smiley faces and laughter as I sat taking it all in.
If you are keen to find out more then please take a look at their website for more details. It’s lovely to know that you are not alone in this fight.
http://www.shinecancersupport.co.uk/Pages/AboutUs.aspx
A huge thank you to Shine for having me and I look forward to seeing you all when I get back next year.
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Cancer, all you’ve done is make me stronger!
It was 4 years ago today I was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. I knew what was coming as my brother, cousin and I sat in the waiting room waiting to see the doctor. I had seen the tumour a week previously during my colonoscopy. The doctor said it could be an ulcer or a tumour but later conceded that she knew it was a tumour.
We waited for an hour and half over my appointment time. My brother was complaining to us about how he couldn’t understand why the doctors couldn’t keep to their allotted appointment times. He’s quite a time efficient guy so a time delay like this completely baffled him.
We went in and I was told about the type of bowel cancer I had. The chances of survival were good but the probability was that I’d need a colostomy bag for life and it may have spread. I only heard all the bad stuff though and started crying and almost fainted. I totally crumbled. My brother asked the doctor what seemed like a million questions and the doctor was wonderful answering each one in full detail. We were in there for absolutely ages and when we came out my brother realised why doctors can’t keep to their allotted appointment times. Not everyone who goes into those rooms is going to get good news.
It’s now been 4 years on from that day and my goodness how life has changed. I’ve overcome cancer, I’m battling and winning my fight with PTSD and I’ve travelled around one side of the globe.
I’ve learned so much over the past 4 years there is no way I could put it all down in one blog post. Im so glad I wrote a blog now as I can go back and see how and why I’ve now become the person I am today. It’s a strange thing to state what kind of person you are but what I do know is that I’m a pretty good guy who is extremely grateful to be here.
I’ve been thinking for a while now about which of my many photographs is my favourite one. I’ve now looked at them over and over in the past week or so and this the one that I look at more than any other.
This photograph was taken at the Quilatoa Crater in Ecuador by my wonderful friend Kiki. I want to say this is my favourite photograph because of the amazing scenery and the beautiful colours but that wouldn’t be the truth. The reason I love this photograph is because of the guy in the photo. That guy in the photograph doesn’t look like he’s had cancer twice, he doesn’t look like he’s got one kidney, a blood clot and some bowel missing and he certainly doesn’t look like any type of ‘victim’. He looks strong, fit, healthy and for a moment you could even believe that he made that crater himself.
I rarely look at photographs of myself and say all those things. I often criticise myself for being too skinny or looking tired and weak. I look at this photograph and I actually want to be that guy. I then realise that the guy in the photograph is me. He’s all the things I’ve ever wanted to be. An adventurer, an optimist and a warrior.
Best of all though that guy in the photograph is one extremely grateful human being and unlike 4 years ago, today is a good day, and it’s the present moment I want to think about and appreciate more than any other.
Thank you to the wonderful NHS nurses, doctors and surgeons at University College Hospital in London for helping stay on this earth and for playing a huge part in helping me be that guy in the photograph.
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“Life is a storm. You can bask in the sunlight one moment and be shattered against the rocks the next but what makes you the person you are is what you do when that storm comes”
The Count of Monte cristo
What a week
As I write this I’m trying to get my bag ready for some more training on the high seas. This time we are on a night time race from Hamble, South of England to Cherbourg, France and back! It’s seems like a long way to go just for a croissant!
It’s been an action packed week. I was joint best man at my best friends wedding, I became a godfather, I nipped up to Scotland to see some family and over to where I grew up in Newcastle to see some old friends. It was an amazing and also a very emotional week.
Here is my week in pictures
My great Aunt Martha who is going to be 101 this year! How amazing is that! She is the most incredible woman. She still lives alone in her own house and only up until a few months ago she was still driving.
I asked her what the secret to a long life was and she simply replied “staying active”. So there you go! Off your bums and get moving people!:)
The new love of my life. My gorgeous God Daughter, Eleanor. It was such an honour to be asked to be her Godfather. I’ve now changed my name to Don Greig and can only talk to you when I have malteasers in my mouth!:) She is the most gorgeous little girl and always smiling….except in this picture. She’s my new best pal.
Me and Mrs Hartley. Mrs Hartley was my tutor when I was ill as a child. She was very fond of me back then and really hoped she would one day see me again. It was so lovely to see her. She and her husband Paul were talking about coming to see me at hospital. She said I was usually to sick to do class so she would often read to me whilst my mum had a break. Paul told me that there were times they would leave the hospital and think that would be the last time they would ever see me again because I looked so ill.
Mrs Hartley asked if I thought her coming to tutor me was worth it when I was ill. I said of course it was because it meant she saw a future for me and wanted me to be ready for it. She seemed pleased to hear this. A lovely woman and it was so lovely to see how excited she was when I walked through the door.
The groom flanked by his two best men. What a wonderful day and an amazing honour to be at my best pal’s side as he married the girl of his dreams. I absolutely love weddings. Everyone so happy and ready for a laugh and a dance. Ross and I started Uni together in 1999 and we’ve been friends ever since. If there’s a person on this planet that can make you feel good just by looking at you then it’s Ross. One of the nicest and funniest guys you could ever hope to meet. His other best man is a lovely guy called Lee (who some of you may recognise from TV) and they’ve been friends since they were kids.
My beautiful friends Joanne, Lindsay and their gorgeous mum Syl. These guys are like family to me. Lindsay (left) is the teacher of the class I dedicated my Standing on the Equator video to. Her year 7 class have been following me on my adventure since I started. I was brought up in Newcastle and when we moved down to Bristol when I was 16 I lost touch with most of my friends. It was before emails and Facebook and I’m rubbish at phone calls. Joanne, however, always kept in touch with me and called and wrote and I’m so glad she did. I’m so happy I have them in my life.
Bonnie Scotland! These pictures just show that you don’t need to travel thousands of miles to find the most awe inspiring scenery. Beauty is right on your doorstep. The sunset photo was taken in my home town of Annan in Scotland (I’ve moved around a lot:) My mum and dad have a caravan (trailer) up there so that’s where we stay when we go up. The ‘mountain’ on the left is called Criffel and next year I plan to climb it for the very first time. All are welcome to join me! It’s very small but I here the views are amazing.
So that was my week. From Dartmouth to Cheshire to Scotland to Newcastle and now back in Chipping Sodbury. I’m officially knackered (exhausted)!
I’ve got some much needed spare time next week so I can finally book my ticket to OZ and get on the move again. My little trip around the UK has gotten me excited for when I finally do come home for good. There are so many beautiful places to see here. I think I’ll keep the backpack out and do some local exploring when I return.
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A candle of hope for Sam
There is a little boy is Australia who is currently fighting for his life. Sam is 8 years old and was diagnosed with cancer last July. It’s not known how long Sam has left to live.
The beautiful Sunshine Coast community have begun a virtual candlelight vigil for Sam, posting photos of candles and messages of support on Sam’s Journey Facebook page.
The amazing organisation 52 Lives has asked people to help support Sam’s family by joining Sam’s local community and posting photos and messages of support on Sam’s Facebook page.
Here is what 52 Lives and 101 Things to Do When Your survive would love our very own communities to do:-
- Light a candle, take a photo and post it on Sam’s Facebook group page with a message of support for Sam, Mark, Tanya and Ella (you may need to click ‘Join Group’ before you can post)
- If you are not on Facebook or if you would just prefer to do it by email, you can email your photos and messages to 52 Lives and we will share them with the family:- http://www.52-lives.org/#!life–34—sam-martin/cwxi
- If you don’t have a candle or time to get one then please feel free to copy the picture I have taken here and paste it with your own message of support to Sam.
Please upload messages and photos to https://m.facebook.com/groups/samsjourney/
Thank you all so much.
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My message to Sam and his family:-
Hey Sam! Keep believing and fighting my friend. I was your age when I was ill and you look like much more of a warrior than I ever was. Keep going pal.
We are all with you and sending all of our love and support to you and your family. I lit this candle for you in Scotland. The sun was trying to get around the clouds and once I had taken the photo it popped out. It was almost as if it was trying to say hello to you and to let you know that along with the light of the candle it shines bright for you and your beautiful family.
Stay strong buddy. We all think you are amazing and brave.
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To sail or not to sail
Well, I’ve had my introduction to the world of sailing and in the words of Janice from friends….”OH MY GOD!”
I don’t think I’ve ever done anything as physical as I have done over the past 4 days. My shins hurt, my knees hurt and my shoulders and arms feel like I’ve just gone 12 rounds with Mike Tyson.
The good news is that there was no vomiting and the team are definitely the kind of people I wouldn’t mind being lost at sea with. Such lovely people who really looked after me this week and made me feel part of the team. Ross, our captain is unbelievable and knows exactly what is going on at all times.
We set sail from Hamble to beautiful Dartmouth on Tuesday evening and arrived at around 7am on the Wednesday. We did three hour shifts so luckily I had the 9pm to 12am shift and then was back up at 6am so I got to have a few hours sleep. I didn’t really do anything during my shift, I just chatted to Lisa and Ross.
It was such a strange experience sailing in complete darkness. You literally can’t see anything in front of you. Lisa has done the transatlantic before and she was telling me that the sky is just littered with stars when out on the Atlantic. I’m so excited to experience this for myself next year.
We have now just finished our second day of ‘in shore’ racing at the Dartmouth regatta where we did pretty well finishing in the top 5 in all four races.
I must confess, I had a severe rethink about being involved in his challenge on Tuesday night. I didn’t understand anything anyone was talking about. I don’t even know the basics about sailing. There were words like, tac, spinnaker, hike…I literally had no idea and they are not even terms you could guess either.
Also, on the Tuesday night I felt really sick. As soon as I went below deck to sleep I started to feel pretty rubbish. I’m not good at feeling physically sick. The worst part of my cancer as a child was that I was sick all the time during my chemo and radio therapy. If I’m sick I find it hard to do anything else.
When we arrived in Dartmouth I was thinking that maybe I’m not cut out for this but then I saw a boat called ‘Trout’ and then the boat we moored up next to was called ‘Yes’. More signs that I should do this?… Oh yes!:)
The racing was just crazy. I couldn’t believe how physical it was. I was on winching duty which means I winched in the sail in so it kept relatively taught and stopped it from collapsing too much….I think that’s what it did anyway.
My upper body muscles have never done anything like that before. I ran out of puff a few times and I got to the point I couldn’t turn it anymore which can affect the overall speed of the boat. The gang all said i did well but I think they were just being nice. Im really going to have to bulk up and work on my core strength for next year. Weights and protein here I come.
You also have to climb and run over to each side of the boat every time you turn which after some winching and when he boat is in it’s side is like trying to climb Everest after a marathon.
Kirsty saw me flagging and immediately told me to have a rest. We laughed afterwards as I could barely speak when she was asking me questions.
I only had a bowl of cereal for breakfast that day but today I went all out with cereal, banana, a double egg bap (please don’t judge me) and a cereal bar. I was still knackered but at least I could speak today!:)
My mum and dad came to pick me up today and got to meet everyone and see the Scarlet Oyster. They really don’t want me to do the transatlantic race but I think now they’ve seen the boat and met the gang they are feeling a bit better about it.
I feel sore and absolutely shattered right now. We stopped to get a coffee and as I struggled out of the car my mum looked at me and said “I think this is too hard for you son”. I replied “but that’s what this is all about mum, because if I can do it then everyone else can too”.
So it’s strength work, practice, a copy of the ‘dummies guide to sailing’ and I’ll be sound as a pound!:)
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Captain 101 ahoy!
Well here we go! The first sail with the crew of the Scarlet Oyster. Currently debating at what point to tell them I suffer from sea sickness. I’m sure they’ll figure out themselves…. probably after or during lunch!:)
So it’s a night time sail to Dartmouth until Friday and then I’ve got to rush up to Cheshire on Friday night for the wedding (and best man speech) of the century on Saturday. Then on Sunday I will nip down the road and become of the godfather of beautiful little Eleanor Rankin.
What a crazy week. And to think I didn’t even want to leave the house not long ago. I never seem to be home now!:)
I am of course super nervous about all these things but I guess that’s what makes them so exciting!
So here we go! All aboard the Scarlet Oyster!
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My ice bucket challenge
ALS/Motor Neurone Disease and Anthony Nolan
Thank you to my beautiful friend Kiki for nominating me for the ALS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE.
I nominate my fellow AngelRiders:- Lynn McCarthy, Fred Brooke, Brian and Chaleen Abely and Andy Heeps.
An amazing cause and I’ve loved seeing all the videos on Facebook. What a wonderful way to raise money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease.
You can donate by texting fight against MND, text ICED55 £5 to 70070 or visit: www.justgiving.com/icebucket4MND
If you’ve already donated or can’t afford to please instead register FREE on the Anthony Nolan register and you could save a life! You could even do both! 😉