The last day, the first day

Oh Cancer, what a fucking pain in the ass you are.

I’ve just read an email that was inevitable. Inevitable but unwelcome. A friend I didn’t know very well, but a lady who deeply inspired me, died this morning. Her name was Francesca Marvell.

Francesca had cancer and she was so brave with it, as so many people that I have seen deal with it are. She faced her death which so much beauty that it has inspired me to try to live more beautifully.

And with that in mind, I’m living my 40th year with a strong sense of how lucky I am and how much I want to do.

A couple of days ago, I committed to putting my money where my mouth is. I’m going to do a “charity challenge”, a 10 day trek across parts of the Great Wall of China. Before I go in October, I’m going to raise £3,500 ($5,500) for a Cancer charity. Take that Cancer!

By hook or by crook, I’m going to do it – and I may need your help.

To stay focused on what I’m doing it for, I’ve made this blog. I’m going to be talking about my preparations, my fundraising, but most importantly I want to talk about the people I know who have been affected by Cancer.