Rollo - My Story .... My Cancer

Hi all,

OK .... where do I start? Today I have decided (maybe foolishly) to run the Great Manchester Run 10k on Sunday 20th May 2018. There was a time this would not have mattered to me, nor would it have been a challenge. Since my diagnosis, however, this is now a deeply personal undertaking and one which I want the focus to be on the fundraising rather than the event - hence the challenging target I have set myself. I want to raise £10,000 in the next 38 days before the event - £263 each day.

Donate Here Rollo Hawkins Justgiving

I have worked hard over the past two years on my “wellness” and this is captured in my You Tube video (link below) and resulted in me losing 25% in body weight and, to all intents and purposes, looking and living much healthier than before. But I still live with my cancer inside my head each day, the interminable scans, appointments, treatments, anxieties, highs, lows that ALL cancer patients will appreciate.

Rollo's video here Youtube

I am also running this with my 18yr son Alexander which makes it doubly special to me. I have some challenges with coordination so he will, hopefully, keep me from tripping up too much!

I leave you with one of my poems (my favourite actually) which encapsulates my mindset and drive to live ....

Dreams

I dream of a world without suffering or care.
My world. Your world. Not unjust or unfair.
The sun shines without rancour and brightens the day.
An orb and a talisman to show us the way.

I dream for my children and the promise they show.
My legacy unfolding as they flower and grow.
My pride and my love grows greater with time.
I will walk beside them on the road that they climb.

I dream for my wife as she faces her fears.
I need her belief, her laughter and also her tears.
I want her to know that her husband is with her.
The love masked by Illness but still growing stronger.

I dream of my future and the life I hope I will lead.
The smiles and the positive are the things that I need.
I see good things ahead and will enjoy all that life brings.
The fun and the smiles before the fat lady sings.

I dream also for you, friend, as your journey grows longer.
And I hope you find joy and belief you can stay stronger.
The world wants you in it and the place you must start
Is to believe it yourself in your mind and your heart.

Updated 00:50 - 31 Aug 2019 by john blower