Moving forward... and grabbing life
Unless you’ve ever heard those words, “Sorry you have cancer”, you’ll never truly know the feelings of fear, dread and sadness that come with it.
I have seen so many people who have been there, whether terminal like me or not, effectively lose their lives almost instantly.
It’s understandable to have all the emotions above and more, but sadly many people can not find a way to escape them. So what time they have ends up being wasted in a pit of despair.
Recently, I had the opportunity to join an amazing charity called WOLO (We Only Live Once) to see one of the many ways they make a difference to people like me and their families.
Sussex-based WOLO tries to help those involved with a cancer journey live their best lives – to get and keep them to a happy place away from that pit of despair. I was honoured to be asked to be their special guest on their weekly running/ walking group around the beautiful Arlington Reservoir in East Sussex.
Being in such an amazing place lifted our spirits, and we set off in small groups chatting, helping each other and offering reassurance. The walk/run was led by Darren Evans, a qualified running coach, who had given his time to be there. Everyone enjoyed having a professional give them attention and inspire them to do their best in a safe way.
After the run, we had coffee and a more focused chat. The effect this weekly event had was obvious, with everyone wanting to go as far as they could, some dragging themselves out of the house between nauseating and energy-sapping chemotherapy sessions because they knew you never regret doing something good when you have the chance.
Despite the varying stages of multiple cancers the group had, I never saw a sad face – only smiles and an invigorated desire to live the best way their circumstances would allow, rather than giving up.
WOLO does so much more for the community by organising positive experiences and practical help for those families, now over 100 in total, who need it most. I witnessed just a tiny bit of it.
I hope if you ever need help, you’re not afraid to ask. If you are lucky enough not to need support, do what you can to help others, just like WOLO.
There were no sad faces, only smiles and a desire to live the best way