Earlier this year, Edward (Fez to his mates) was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia. Hopefully, he won't need a stem cell transplant to cure it - but as his treatment begins, he's decided to take on a truly astonishing fundraising challenge - Fez's Fight Against Cancer.
Because over the next ten years, he and his friends are planning to raise £100,000 for Anthony Nolan and other charities.
My leukaemia diagnosis
My biggest fear in life was getting this disease, I have no idea why. I found the idea of coping with it – should I ever get it - impossible.
In early August this year, I was admitted to hospital in the middle of Saturday night. Fresh from a friend's wedding, I believed I’d overexerted myself somewhat and my heart was beating out of my chest – this experience alone was terrifying, yet nothing in comparison to the news I was soon to receive. As I was wheeled to the hospital bay I was to spend the night in, I realised this wasn’t going to be the fleeting hospital visit I had expected it to be.
I had the standard MOT blood tests, to check the system over. These started flashing warning lights early on, followed by a chest x-ray which was to show the full extent of my issues. The hours not knowing are the hardest. I blubbered like a child in fear of what was happening to me.
Early the next morning, a doctor peeled back the curtain. He had a tear in his eye, as did I, as did my father.
I share something very special with my dad and it was at that precise moment we both realised something was wrong, without the doctor having to say another word. The doctor confirmed our fears; I had a rare form of blood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia. I cannot put words to what I thought in those moments or seconds. Time stood still. And it still does, and will continue to, until I am given the all clear.
Once the dust had settled just enough to speak, my first words were 'Right, what are we going to do about it?' I know how lucky I was to be given the chance to just fight the disease. I know some people are diagnosed with no hope and that’s terrible – but we could do something about it. My doctor was quick to fill me with confidence, emotional petrol that has forever stoked my fire to battle this disease.
Fez and his friends
My decision to take on an incredible fundraising challenge
I made up my mind straight away; I was going to win this war. My family weren’t losing me and I wasn’t about to let my friends lose a friend so young. I kept reminding myself, it’s a case of A to B. I knew that blood cancer was going to temporarily ruin my life. That’s OK, because I will have plenty left - after I beat it.
Previous to my diagnosis I was living in London and enjoying it, but in honest truth I missed my home, my closest dearest friends, my family and living in the beautiful Cotswolds. Had I not been diagnosed, I would not have returned. It sounds ridiculous to say it, but when all is done mid next year and I get the all clear, I will be back home, with my friends, closer than ever with my family and a better more grounded person – far more at peace with myself than I will have ever been.
Fez isn't letting his treatment stop him from taking on an astonishing challenge
I am currently undergoing 4 blocks of week-long chemo treatments but I’m keeping positive. I have a good prognosis, and if all goes well I won’t need a transplant.
So to keep me busy, I’m taking blood cancer up with a fight. I’m turning this around into a massive positive by dedicating the next ten years of my life to raising £100,000 for Anthony Nolan, LINC and other cancer charities. I want to give the hope that I have, to others in my shoes. And I want more than anything to attack cancer just as forcefully as it’s trying to attack me.
I’m calling on all of my friends, family and strangers to help me along the way. My friend Adam is shaving off his hair and James is taking on the Birmingham Half Marathon in aid of Anthony Nolan. We’re not stopping here, though; this is just the beginning to a 10-year-long challenge which we fully intend to accomplish.
If you can help me, then please get involved. You can like my Facebook page to follow my campaign and progress, or if you’re feeling generous, donate to my JustGiving page and help me smash this crazy target.
