Goodbye, Si... friend who found sunshine in the gloom ahead

I guess we all have sadness and joy in our life, and last week was no exception for me.

The week started off at the doctors, as I have to have a pellet injected into my stomach every three months to help stop my prostate cancer from growing — it’s a big needle, with no anaesthetic.

I never cease to be amazed at the kindness and professionalism of our NHS staff — the nurse admitted this injection wasn’t one of her favourite things to do, yet you’d never have guessed it.

That was my good day. I rejoice in going there as it’s what in part is, luckily, still keeping me alive. So why see it as a bad thing, even if it hurts a little?

Then the bad day — the funeral of a friend of mine. Si died of prostate cancer, like I have, still too young, diagnosed in his 50s. What made Si special to me was that, while I never knew him before I was diagnosed, he took me under his wing despite his own challenges. Si gave me a positivity that has helped me keep enjoying life and pushing the boundaries.

He tried all sorts of things to give him more time, never afraid to take on the doctors, but sadly in the end the disease got him like it will get me.

It was apt that the sun shone all through the funeral in an otherwise rainy week, because Si had brought sunshine into my days, as he did for many others, when there seemed only gloom ahead.

Speeches made by his wife and teenage daughters were so brave and moving. Si was so much more to so many, and I met others who he had been helping like me. An all-round amazing man, thank you Si, rest in peace my friend.

I hope, like Si, you all try to make others’ lives better — even if you have your own challenges.

Until next week

Despite his challenges, Si gave me a positivity that helped me to keep on pushing boundaries