Page 11 - Inspire_SpringSummer_DigitalEdition

You’ve Got a Friend in Me

Pam’s story

“I initially became involved with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
because my dad was having a 70th birthday. He said he didn’t
want any presents but instead wanted to give money to charity
in memory of my late husband,Tom.
“Tom died of lung cancer in 2015. He’d been complaining of
back and arm pain but he was such an active person we just
thought he’d pulled a muscle. However, when he dropped to a
30-inch waist and developed a severe cough, I finally persuaded
him to go to the doctors.
After having a chest x-ray and bronchoscopy, he was told it was
suspected lung cancer and was booked in for a CT biopsy the
following week.
“Unfortunately Tom became really ill over the weekend and
was admitted into hospital. It transpired he had pneumonia,
sepsis, ruptured lung abscesses and empyema. I really don’t
know how he pulled through it but he did. However, it was the
beginning of the end.
“Tom just kept getting weaker and weaker. I was watching my
life fall apart and there was nothing I could do about it. I just wanted to protect him, to make him better. But I couldn’t
and I am so riddled with guilt that I didn’t do enough for him. I tried to cheer him up by organising our wedding but that
too was hijacked by his illnesses.Thankfully we did manage to get married but it was not the wedding either of us wished
for.Tom died four days later.
“Fundraising gave me a sense of purpose and helped take my mind off what had happened.After dad’s birthday collection,
it kind of spiralled from there. I did the ‘Colour Me Rad’ 5k run in May and the Paisley 10k in August. I’ve organised a
quiz, raffle and charity auction as well as a 60s themed night.
“This year I am doing Dry 2017 – not dry January, a completely dry 2017! I’m also hoping to host a black tie ball later in
the year too.
“I’m particularly proud to help fund lung cancer research and support for patients and families living with lung cancer.
That’s something very close to my heart.”

Without the support from people like Pam, we would simply cease to exist.We wouldn’t be able to fund vital
research projects, nor could we support lung cancer patients and their families during the worst of times.
There are many ways you too can support Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation – from taking on
a challenge to attending one of our own events, or even, like Pam, organise your own fundraiser. If

ywouw’vewb.ereon iyncspairsedtlbey .Poamrg’s /stsouryp, ppleoasretv-isuit:s

Spring/Summer 11