A story a day for Pancreatic Cancer UK
Pancreatic Cancer – A terrible year
This year has been a nightmare. Following all the stress of COVID my lovely dad was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Trying to work through the confusion of all the lockdown rules. The heartache and worry of having a husband who was on the shielding list, losing my dad has completely changed my world. For months we hardly saw him. Fear of catching COVID, just shut indoors and then within 12 weeks of diagnosis he was gone. Dad was always there for me, he was also the man who would fix anything, would look after the children at a days notice. He would always be wise with his advice and I not only adored him but I also held him with high respect. I don’t think he knew just how much he meant to me, to all of us, he meant the world.
For months I’ve been unable to write, both my blogs have been quiet. Following the loss of my dad, we have been walking. Since February I have walked over 840 miles, my longest walk was over 32 miles. All trying to raise awareness of this awful disease and fundraise for Pancreatic Cancer UK in the hope that future families will be spared this sad rapid loss. Many people diagnosed with pancreatic Cancer die within 12 weeks, it is truly heart-breaking and so much is unknown about it, research needs to be done.. February 2020 my dad was writing down what materials he needed to fix my garage flat roof, we never imagined that on November 8th we would lose him.
Here is my just giving link fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer UK
Any size donation is welcome as all money raised goes direct to Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Fundraising ideas
I am aiming to walk 1000 miles by Christmas and hoping the children reach 500 miles. It is hard going especially when the children tell me they do not want to walk. The furthest they have walked in a day is an impressive just over 14 miles. Fundraising is hard and I hadn’t realised how hard till I started doing this. I never imagined that I would walk 32 miles alone in a day. Also on that morning I didn’t imagine that I would be a walking through a wood in the dark at the end of the day.
I have another long walk that I plan to do in the near future, but as well as walking what else can I do?
I’m needing ideas, what have any of you done to successfully raise money?
A story a day
So, here is my latest idea, for months I’ve struggled to write so this will be a challenge. From November 1st till November 30th I am going to write a story a day. It will be posted here on my blog. Please do not expect perfection as I’m working, looking after the children and managing life. I need to think of thirty stories, write them and publish them. This is all for my lovely dad and to try and save others in the future from the heartbreak of Pancreatic cancer. Here is my link again fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer UK.
So, any thoughts and any story prompts you would like me to try and write from? Thankyou for your support!
Here is my last story from May – still to be continued – A proposal and a messy situation
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17 Comments
Anonymous
I have not forgotten about your Dad and wondered how you were all getting on. It’s just over a year since my husband died of cancer, at least he had some time before Covid and then more time at home during lockdowns. It’s hard seeing granddads much older still with their families. Well done with your walking.
Just muddling through life
Thankyou, yes it is really hard losing someone close to you. I see and talk to patients in their nineties and just think why him. Yes I agree it is hard seeing other grandfather’s, my family really miss him, hope you are doing okay.
You Can Always Start Now
It is unbelievably hard to lose a parent especially that way so fast. Grief comes in waves. Some days harder than others and that is okay. You are amazing and walking 32 miles in one day! I can’t imagine. This is a great idea and looking forward to reading. Take care.
Just muddling through life
Thankyou! Yes I need to get thinking.. I haven’t written a story in months, but I need to do this.
Gloria
It’s difficult Marian and I’m very sorry you’re going through this. It was 2 years ago since I lost my dad. I’m Grateful it was all before covid.
Covid makes things like this much harder.
The hurt might ease, but I don’t think it ever really goes away.
Writing will help you, so try to keep at it. Missed you from the blogesphere! Take care of yourself Marian!
Just muddling through life
Thanks Gloria, yes it is really hard. No I agree the pain is never going to go away, different over time but still painful. Yes I haven’t written since May and I need to get back into it.
Gloria
I’ll send you on some prompts.
Just muddling through life
Thankyou!
willowdot21
Hi Marian si glad to see you are back. You have done so well walking all that way in your dad’s memory. I have been wondering where to were and how you are coping.
Here is a prompt for you, a First liner ! I opened my eyes and….
Be well and safe , hugs 💜💜💜💜
Just muddling through life
Thankyou Willow, I will use your line, yes things have been really hard and walking has helped. hugs to you too!
willowdot21
Take care ❤️
Just muddling through life
and you, thankyou x
willowdot21
💜
esmesalon
Welcome back but please be patient with yourself. This is not something that will disappear, it may get easier, but will always stay with you. I lost both my parents more than 25 years ago and I still feel it, despite the years that has passed. I have a monthly prompt on Blog & Inspire and posted each month on the 15th, so keep an eye out. If interested, you can use that as well.
Just muddling through life
Thankyou Esme, I will look out for your prompt. Yes I am never going to forget my dad, I think of him everyday, he was a very special man.
Gloria
A couple of prompts you might get ideas from Marian.
Shrink
Arranging Pieces
Crolly Doll
Head scarf
Empty food containers
Walking with a friend
Walking with an enemy
Just as she closed her diary….
When the bell rang….
She dug a small hole…
The street was quiet….
Go on my Instagram page and use the photos as prompts.
Blog & Inspire are doing photo prompts every month. There will be a new one up in a couple of days. I’ll tag you in them.
I hope this is some help to you. Tag us in your posts Marian, as it’s difficult to catch it all sometimes.
Just muddling through life
thankyou Gloria, I’ve photographed this, I really do appreciate your help!