"I don't want to give you any false hope. You have a rare incurable and inoperable cancer, and a life expectancy of 4-6 months".
These were the words of the oncologist to Diane (my wife of 49 years) on 9 August last year.
Diane passed away 5 months later. She had a rare cancer ie cancer of the gall bladder and bile duct.
If only the cancer had been detected and diagnosed earlier the outcome would have been different.
And that goes for so many others too. Early detection would save countless lives.
Before her passing Di asked that I do something to raise money for early detection of rare cancers and I agreed I would.
I have set myself a mammoth target - to run the Berlin Marathon on September 24th, which is 42.195km - and to raise one dollar for every meter I run.
That would result in raising $42,195, all to be used to assist the early detection of rare cancers.
It's hard. I am training four times a week and pounding out the pavement. But I want to make a difference, however small in Di's memory - she deserves nothing less.
Marathons are hard at any age - but I am committed to doing it. And I am well over 70.
Below is the last photo taken of Di - on our 49th wedding anniversary. She was a wonderful person, taken too early and one who cared for others.
Together we can beat cancer.