I've been pretty quiet on here over the last few seasons. Mostly due to the sheer fucking despair at our situation and the tailspin we have ended up in. But also because I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer about 18 months ago. It was shock. I was pretty young to get it (55 at the time). I'd been to Dr's about summat else and he sent me for a blood test and they picked it up. At first it was 'low grade, low risk'. I had regular blood tests and a biopsy. That was bloody horrible. Anyway, I went for more tests and they said that it had got worse and they needed to act before it spread. I had my Prostate gland removed in August last year. It was a pretty miserable time. I was off work 6 weeks. I had a catheter fitted, could hardly walk. Just shit really. But - when I got the results back following the op they said that there were clear margins around the gland so it hadn't spread. I will be having 3 monthly blood tests and consultations for the foreseeable but so far it's all looking good. I have been very lucky.

Some of you will know that I do a bit of running, I used to try to encourage folk off here to do Parkrun. As I had some warning before the operation I figured my best hope of a faster recovery was to get as fit as I could beforehand and hopefully retain some of it. I did my first ever marathon, Bolton hill marathon (a bit embarrassing as I've been running 20 years!) and that went ok so I did my first ever Ultra marathon a fortnight later (5 Passes ultra in Lakes, 33 miles). That was a long day out - 10 hours! - but I went round with 2 lasses from our running club and we had a great day.

I have gradually got fitness back starting with low goals and building up and up. Although I don't think I will ever really be how I was before I am in not bad shape now, physically. I wanted a goal to aim for both as part of my recovery and also as a big Fuck You to cancer. I decided to do the Joss Naylor Challenge. It's not a race, you can do it whenever you like. It appealed because it is aimed at over 50's and you get longer to complete it the older you are. It's 48 miles across the Lakes and 17,000' ascent. I have 15 hours to do it in. It also appealed because part of it is to raise money for a charity of your choice. I have chosen Prostate Cancer UK.

I've been training hard over the last months since recovering from the op. Been up to Lakes virtually every weekend and getting the miles in recceing the route. Can I do it? I honestly don't know, I'll find out next month. I'll give it a bloody good shot though. https://www.gofar.org.uk/jossnaylorlc.html

If anyone can spare a quid or so then it would be very gratefully received. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simon-fox24

Also if anyone wants to talk about any Prostate Cancer concerns then PM me. Cheers.

 

Edited May 8, 20197 yr by Casino

Wow. Sorry to hear of the initial illness - and wow, fantastic effort to get fit and throw yourself into such a challenge. Hat off to you. Best of luck!!!

Top effort there. Best of luck for the future.

Today is ovarian cancer awareness Day too. A bastard of a disease.

Thanks TMGJ.

Donation gratefully received, Smiley. Cheers man.

Just donated, but it seemed to take an age to go through. Can you confirm its been received successfully.

If you are Richard then Yes! Ta.

Just now, fishbulb said:

If you are Richard then Yes! Ta.

Good stuff.

This puts all our clubs troubles into perspective, the health of yourself and your family/friends comes first - football after.

All the best with your recovery FB, you definitely have the right attitude to fight and  beat it.

Thanks BB.

And thanks to bgoe for kind words and donation.

I'm in

Will change the title a tad too, if that's ok

Done mate, good luck! 

Thanks for title edit and contribution Cas.

Sorted mate, happy to help a little bit

Done. Best of luck

Done , best of luck

Massive thanks everybody. Here's a link to a film that captures what it's all about if you are interested:

 

Wow, just seen an interview with a young girl called Kira Noble.

By Christ another sufferer doing amazing stuff.

I know there are many valuable charitable causes, but this illness, in all its forms really does need tackling.

2 hours ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Wow, just seen an interview with a young girl called Kira Noble.

By Christ another sufferer doing amazing stuff.

I know there are many valuable charitable causes, but this illness, in all its forms really does need tackling.

Tackling?

23 minutes ago, boltondiver said:

Tackling?

Seems as good a word as any.

 Beating, defeating, curing, preventing etc.

Sorry only just got around to sponsoring this. Fantastic effort and good luck with everything!

Massive thanks to all the fellow Wanderers who have very generously donated. You are all brilliant.

I had another great weekend in t'Lakes running up and down big stuff. Another week or so and I'll start tapering (and start shitting myself). It's now a balancing act between getting the training in and not getting injured doing it.

Seem to be spending half my life at Wasdale at the moment. I'm not complaining though...

✔️

R.

Anybody thinking of sponsoring the madman, another couple of hundred to go

I feel half dead on completing 3 miles through the mountains of harwood

Thanks Cas and well done in the mountains! ;0)

Late to this. Good luck, looks a monstrous challenge. 

Hopefully see you at parkrun