Over the last 18 months I have been battling with Cancer. So far it has been a right old ding dong, who was winning, me or it. The truth of the matter is I still don't know, but I am a battler and never know when I am beat so I will continue to be a battler till the fight is won. However there have been times when chucking the towel in seemed the easiest option. That's when those shining knights called Macmillan Nurses came galloping to my side to take the fight on with me. If it was not for them I think I would have capitulated by now.

So for all the help and encouragement they have given, we thought it was about time to raise some money to go towards their gallant forces which are constantly under financial pressure. It was decided to have a head shaving night at my local pub the Rose and Crown Boylestone on the 3/12/11 entitled 'SHAVE FOR DAVE'. (The full and more amusing story follows this plea) To donate to this fantastic cause and I hope you will, all you have to do is follow the link - all donations go direct to 'Macmillan Cancer Support' via a safe site or donate on the evening, we start gathering at 7pm :-

http://www.justgiving.com/David-Cresswell2000

Thank you for giving. None of us know if or when we will need Macmillan nurses but I can tell you from first hand experience they are true angels.

Please read on for more information of the night and the story leading up to our fund raising effort. All are welcome on the night.

As some of you will be aware I was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus last September 2010. Obviously it was a great shock to everyone around me. The Docs told me best way to tackle it was 2 courses of chemo then a big operation to remove the rascal. The opp meant removing a rib so they could get in. (Don’t order spare ribs if you are ever in Derby hospital one will be a bit grisly but on the good side will be marinated in Pedigree). They then had to remove half my stomach and ¾ of my oesophagus, stretch my stomach up to what’s left of my oesophagus and stitch it together. By all accounts the biggest opp Derby hospital does (that’s what the surgeon said) this happened on 22/12/10. So a long stay in hospital and no Turkey for me! But the good news I was rid of the cancer!

In late April I started with backache, just thought it was a muscle problem from where the Rib had been removed. Unfortunately after months of getting nowhere, I was re-diagnosed with a return of Cancer only this time the consultant was very worried, told us it was very serious and if I had been older they would not do anything just leave me to wilt away. Needless to say a tad concerning!

However because I was relatively young and still reasonably fit they decided to hit it as hard as my body could stand. Actually they hit it harder than my body could stand. On my 2nd bout of treatment I had an anaphylactic reaction, which at the time from my angle was quite good fun being the centre of attention. Basically my thorax (think that’s what you call it) closed right up so I could not breathe. For those of you who have played a little rugby it’s a bit like being at the bottom of a collapsed maul and being face up with the whole of the opposition pack diving on top of you two at a time till you have no breath left and can’t suck it back in. It was when I noticed the 2 ladies opposite me having their chemo and their false teeth dropped out as their lower jaw hit the floor that I realised it was a bit serious. I ended up in hospital for a few days to recover and the consultant told me he was going to change the chemo I protested saying I wanted to hit the cancer as hard as possible he turned round and said you don’t understand it nearly killed you. Oh bugger I thought must have been bad. So change they did and fortunately I have been a lot better since in terms of coping with the chemo.

Which brings me to the point of this essay? If it had not been for the care and encouragement of the Macmillan Nurses I think I may have given in by now. So a plot was hatched by my so called buddies at the local country pub. On one of my good Saturdays I attended with Brenda and relations for a little light refreshment (it is only little and light for me) I was wearing a woolly hat aka David Beckham style. When in walks a friend, a portly gentleman (Billy Bunter shape) thirsty from a good days shooting. Walking up to me he rips off my hat saying ‘what you got that on for’, realising I had no hair he quickly turned saw a young daughter of a friend who was wearing a pink bonnet he whipped that off stuck it on my head tying it under my chin then reached for the pink pub dummy and stuck it in my by now slack top orifice. It was amazing how quickly cameras appeared from all around, the incrimination will last forever caught wearing a pink bonnet and sucking a pink dummy at the ripe old age of 54. So a plan was hatched from that incident to raise money for the wonderful caring Macmillan Nurses who care and give hope to people who feel there is no hope.

To make me feel at home by all in the pub, some hardy souls are going to have their heads shaved at the pub on 3rd of December to raise money for this worthy cause the event is called ‘SHAVE FOR DAVE’ and can be supported by giving a donation on the following link:-

http://www.justgiving.com/David-Cresswell2000

Anybody wanting to attend on the night and you won’t be pressurised to leave without your hair only your money, can come to THE ROSE and CROWN at Boylestone. There will be some refreshment available and there is even a restaurant at the rear of the pub if you want something more substantial, subject to tables available. The gathering will commence around 7pm. Thank you for reading and thank you for giving.

Much regards, David Cresswell

Directions to pub.

FROM:- SUDBURY/ A50, TAKE A515 TOWARDS ASHBOURNE TAKE FIRST TURN RIGHT SIGNED FOR BOYLESTONE THE PUB IS ON THE LEFT AND STANDS BACK OFF THE ROAD ABOUT 1 MILE DOWN THE LANE.

FROM:-ASHBOURNE TAKE A515 TOWARDS SUDBURY/LICHFIELD. TAKE FIRST TURN LEFT AFTER PASSING HALLMARK TRACTORS ON YOUR RIGHT SIGNED FOR BOYLESTONE THE PUB IS ON THE LEFT AND STANDS BACK OFF THE ROAD ABOUT 1 MILE DOWN THE LANE.