When The Boat Comes in

When the boat comes in

Local knowledge. Something I am sure we all take it for granted because we are local but throughout my walk, there have been times when it would have been so useful. Yesterday the value if it really hit home. Kate, who lives in Leeds and works for BCRT, travelled down to walk with me in the Plymouth area. Two survivors, (Peter and Sophie) of Ewing Sarcoma, (also a primary bone cancer) joined us and they both live in Plymouth area. Peters local knowledge made the planning of logistics, for leaving cars at end of our walk, and getting to the start, much easier. Not only was he the driver from end back to the start, but he planned it so we began with a short boat trip across a beautiful little bay. Peter pointed out a little motorboat coming over from the other side which we got on at the end of jetty. Once the other side as we started to walk the footpath, Peter shared some of his knowledge of the bay and small boats etc. A wonderful start to the walk.

One of the things I particularly like, when walking with people I haven’t met before, is sharing our testimonies relating to BCRT. I first spoke to Kate in 2012, so to finally meet her and share time together was a huge blessing. It was good to learn more about the BCRT office staff, events and research and their ultimate aim. I am old enough to remember when diagnosis of Leukaemia, had very poor prognosis. After many years research, now it has very positive outcomes as successful treatment is available. That is what BCRT want to see happen with bone cancer so that is what Kens Tribute Fund is for.

I would imagine never wanting to hear about bone cancer again once in remission, if I had it. But Peter, his wife Harry, and Sophie are all keen to help raise awareness of BCRT. Walking with them was both humbling and inspiring. Last night as I reflected on the day, I thought how Ken would probably have had a similar attitude had he survived. Makes me even more thankful, for the Peters and Sophies out there, who been attacked by this evil disease, survived and helping others.

The saying ‘When The Boat Comes in’ I believe relates to receiving a fortune/positive turn around in financial status, but in this case I am relating it to seeing a massive breakthrough in the treatment of bone cancer. Please help BCRT boat come in by donating to Kens Tribute Fund if you haven’t already.