Moving forward by looking back on life
When I was first diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer I started writing a blog, whilst also taking on a few public speaking events to try to raise awareness of prostate cancer. I wanted to prove that a terminal diagnosis does not mean that you have to give up.
Then people asked if I had a book. I used to choke on my coffee as I never thought anyone would want to read about my story in depth.
Time went on, and the book queries kept coming. Eventually a friend of mine, Mark Church, who is the voice of cricket on BBC Radio Surrey, said he would help me write it, which is just as well as I have never written that much before.
It’s one of those areas where lockdown was a good thing since it gave us both the hundreds of hours needed to talk, write, choose photos and edit the book.
We finished it this week, and the final proof has been sent to Pitch, my publisher.
As part of the process I have read the book many times. But whilst I know it reflects my story, I have no idea how someone who does not know me will receive it. So that means I’m now feeling somewhat nervous about how it’s going to go down when it comes out.
The book, which is aptly titled Dead Man Running, is published on September 6, and you can pre-order it through Amazon.
Putting everything down on paper has been quite cathartic. It forced me to go back over the lows and highs of my journey which in itself has had a positive impact on me during the pandemic.
But that said, you don’t need to write your life story to reflect on your own past. By looking back you can build on what went well, and avoid repeating what didn’t, so you can learn ways to step into a better future.
Until next week, Kev
It’s forced me to go back over the lows and highs of my journey