I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Rebecca Stenson and I had the privilege of calling Neil a friend. This picture above was taken 12 months before Neil had only 147 days left to live. In June 2014 we were happily planning an exiting evening at the Kimbolton Summer ball, when we received the devastating news that Neil had been diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in his bile duct. He was only 42, and had no prior symptoms. During the summer Neil underwent a 10 hour ‘Whipples’ Surgery to remove his tumour. Sadly after 6 weeks recovery Neil was given the devastating news that his cancer had spread to his liver and was now terminal. As a close group of friends to Kirsty and Neil, we were all parents of children in the same class. We spent our summer supporting Kirsty and her 3 children Grace (5), Cameron (4) and Elizabeth (1). It was Neils wish to fight his diagnosis and obtain a long remission to spend more time with his children, Neil did not want to die, he didn’t want to leave his family, the love of his life and his small children. In October Neil’s condition worsened and it became apparent his chemotherapy had not been effective. In desperation Neil and Kirsty consulted the world renowned Oncologist Professor Justin Stebbing. Professor Stebbing took Neil into his care, he made no promises but he allowed Neil to call the shots on his treatment and fight using radical chemotherapy combinations until his very last day. Proffessor Stebbing was the sole reason Neil was able to spend a precious last hour with his children 4 days before he passed away on the 8th November. Little did we know, that one of the mothers from the same school class, supporting Kirsty and Neil through their journey, would herself be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in October 2014 aged only 36. She herself is a mother to 2 beautiful girls aged 6 and 2. Since Neils passing, Kirsty and Carolina have become closer friends and are supporting each other through their own horrendous cancer journeys. This picture was taken last week, when Kirsty had the sad privilege of escorting Carolina to her 3rd Chemotherapy session. Carolina is an amazing lady, full of strength and optimism, determined to fight and beat cancer. After seeing this powerful picture last week, myself and many others were deeply devastated by the fact that from a small class group of 17, there were now 2 families effected by a cancer diagnosis. In January 2009, following a horrendous 2 year battle, my beautiful sister in law died of Cancer leaving 2 amazing children aged just 4 years old and 22 months without a mummy. Action Against Cancer is an amazing charity funding the work of the amazing Proffessor Justin Stebbing. It seems only fitting that we work together to raise vital funds to BEAT CANCER! If we all fight this together, along with dedicated scientists we can make a difference and stop this happening to anyone of us. 2015 will be an amazing year where this strong team WILL raise £100,000 to support Action Against Cancer. Our biggest project to be named ‘The Butterfly Ball’ will be a spectacular glittering black tie event. It will be the start of our campaign, and will take place on the 2nd May, which would have been Neil’s 43rd birthday. Watch out for our updates and announcements in the New year. Please support us in any way you can. CANCER - WE WILL BEAT YOU!!!!!!!!!
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 22:24:12 +0000