Support in the battle that attacks body and mind

LIVING with cancer is painful on so many levels. Often the pain is not just physical, but mental – for example, the worry waiting for an appointment to see a specialist and not knowing what your cancer is up to.

As someone who has prostate cancer, I fear the regular three-monthly check-up conducted by my wonderful consultant Christopher Ogden. Not because of the unpleasant procedures it involves, but of what bad news he might bring. The cancer niggles away at my brain, occasionally causing sleepless nights.

Protection insurer Zurich is keen to raise awareness about how cancer impacts on people’s lives. To this end, it has sponsored an online photographic exhibition which is worth a look. Curated by photographer

Martin Parr and TV celebrity Merlin Griffiths, both of whom have ongoing battles with cancer, it showcases pictures taken by people with cancer. There’s also a supporting video narrated by Parr. Both are worth a look: zurich.co.uk/everydaymoments and youtu.be/rEZTGxsLFbw.

Zurich has also made a donation to cancer charity Maggie’s that does splendid work providing support and information to cancer patients from centres countrywide, usually close to hospitals. A friend, battling with breast cancer, vouches for their marvellous advice (maggies.org). Last but not least on the subject of cancer, rest in peace fellow money journalist Martin Baker who died earlier this month of prostate cancer. All too often, the good die far too young.