Hi All,
As I write this update I am sitting in the departure lounge at terminal 4 in Heathrow, heading back to Australia once again.
Some four weeks after my last post I received the call that I had been expecting but never wanted to arrive. At 6 minutes past nine in the evening of the 18th of July my mother passed away with my Father and Sister at her side. My sister called me a little while later - which was in the pre-dawn of Saturday morning for me in Australia. The last weeks were difficult for all concerned, but were made easier by the excellent care provided by the people at the Cranmere Court Care Home.
During this last week my father and I made a quick visit to the home to donate a few of the many house plants my mother had maintained and that would be too many for my father to remember while he has his gardening 'L' plates on. It was a pleasure to meet some of the people who had made my mother's last days easier, and reduced the burden on my family.
The funeral was on Wednesday with everything organised by my sister. I know understand why it means so much for the grieving family to have relatives and friends around them to share the stories and to make a hard day a little easier.
Watching the news this morning in London I saw that the announcement of a 300m GBP investment in genome research in the UK, targetting amongst other things the ability to identity and treat cancer in earlier stages with better outcomes. The politician claimed the UK to be leading the world in this race (I think the commonwealth games was adding some spin to the spin). This October I'll be proud to wear the colours of team Australia - but to be honest I don't mind who wins, because we will all win whichever team crosses this line first - and like the games themselves, there is respect and support amongst all those who play on this field.
Before I left for the UK last Saturday night I took the opportunity for one last long ride before a week off. It was a miserable dank "dreich" (in Scottish) affair, 130km ride - but the fastest I've ever made down from Port Melbourne to Frankston when I was hanging on with some tough riders, and took a turn at the front for a while. Leaving the summer warmth of England (no kidding, its warm and sunny here), I'm not sure I want to put the 14 separate items of clothing back on again to climb on the bike in the Melbourne winter, but it is good therapy and so long as keep the bike rubber side down and I can get back home early enough in the day, no harm comes of it. I'll be home late on Saturday night, and may be out early on Sunday morning, that's what jet-lag and a cycling problem will do to you.
Many many thanks to all those who have already donated to my ride this year. It means a lot to me and a lot to the people who matter in Cancer Research. I have reached the minimum level required to ride, but I'd like to set my sites much higher this year so those of you who were thinking of donating, or intending to donate, please do so.
Remember that you are the author of your own story. Make it a good one, and make sure you take the time to celebrate the stories of others you know and love.
Till the next time,
John.
As I write this update I am sitting in the departure lounge at terminal 4 in Heathrow, heading back to Australia once again.
Some four weeks after my last post I received the call that I had been expecting but never wanted to arrive. At 6 minutes past nine in the evening of the 18th of July my mother passed away with my Father and Sister at her side. My sister called me a little while later - which was in the pre-dawn of Saturday morning for me in Australia. The last weeks were difficult for all concerned, but were made easier by the excellent care provided by the people at the Cranmere Court Care Home.
During this last week my father and I made a quick visit to the home to donate a few of the many house plants my mother had maintained and that would be too many for my father to remember while he has his gardening 'L' plates on. It was a pleasure to meet some of the people who had made my mother's last days easier, and reduced the burden on my family.
The funeral was on Wednesday with everything organised by my sister. I know understand why it means so much for the grieving family to have relatives and friends around them to share the stories and to make a hard day a little easier.
Watching the news this morning in London I saw that the announcement of a 300m GBP investment in genome research in the UK, targetting amongst other things the ability to identity and treat cancer in earlier stages with better outcomes. The politician claimed the UK to be leading the world in this race (I think the commonwealth games was adding some spin to the spin). This October I'll be proud to wear the colours of team Australia - but to be honest I don't mind who wins, because we will all win whichever team crosses this line first - and like the games themselves, there is respect and support amongst all those who play on this field.
Before I left for the UK last Saturday night I took the opportunity for one last long ride before a week off. It was a miserable dank "dreich" (in Scottish) affair, 130km ride - but the fastest I've ever made down from Port Melbourne to Frankston when I was hanging on with some tough riders, and took a turn at the front for a while. Leaving the summer warmth of England (no kidding, its warm and sunny here), I'm not sure I want to put the 14 separate items of clothing back on again to climb on the bike in the Melbourne winter, but it is good therapy and so long as keep the bike rubber side down and I can get back home early enough in the day, no harm comes of it. I'll be home late on Saturday night, and may be out early on Sunday morning, that's what jet-lag and a cycling problem will do to you.
Many many thanks to all those who have already donated to my ride this year. It means a lot to me and a lot to the people who matter in Cancer Research. I have reached the minimum level required to ride, but I'd like to set my sites much higher this year so those of you who were thinking of donating, or intending to donate, please do so.
Remember that you are the author of your own story. Make it a good one, and make sure you take the time to celebrate the stories of others you know and love.
Till the next time,
John.
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