I have the most amazing husband who sadly picked up cancer in the form of a brain tumour… and a tough one at that – a Glioblastoma Multiforme grade 4.
Our story starts back in December of 2011 when my gorgeous husband, Dan, started to suffer from some horrific headaches.
We spoke to a few people who suggested that it might be a case of severe migraine pain, but I was not convinced, so I pushed for an MRI and, in hindsight, I’m so glad I did. A 6cm-diameter tumour in the left temporal lobe was found and consequently removed by surgeons, at hospital.
Two weeks later the pathology results were in – BAM –Cancer. At the time we had a lot of learning to do and the term ‘Glioblastoma Multiforme grade 4’ didn’t make for great reading.
We found our way through the standard protocol treatment of 6 weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, followed by a further 8 months of chemotherapy. At the end of treatment, Dan’s MRI showed some regrowth, which wasn’t great news and left us all reeling.
We entered a second round of treatment, which takes place every 2 weeks, and he has not had a treatment break for 3 years now. Dan is an influential person when attending the hospital, helping others to stay positive through such a challenging experience.
Dan is still here with his family, and now we are focusing on raising funds and awareness for The Brain Tumour Charity
Fundraising
Our good friend, ‘Jolly’ Jim Warner kicked off the fund raising by throwing himself out of an aircraft, while a family member and close friend, Hannah Fulcher, hosted a cake sale at her workplace, and her employer (Tokio Marine) kindly matched the contributions made. Next, her husband, Jon, and friends Scott, Ian, Darren & Paul, all jumped on their bikes and embarked on an epic journey from London to Brighton to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity. Our daughters and their friend, Jack, held a collection at school and close friends, Kate and Carla, also jumped out of a plane. Then, another close friend, Joy, ran 10k and raised over 1k.
Dan and I have recently been raising funds for Bandanas for Brain Tumours and proudly wore them in the chemotherapy unit this week. Please visit our just giving page www.justgiving.com/TheDanKnightFund/
We have all embarked on this journey with Dan Knight, who is now a 3-year survivor and a true hero to all of his family and friends. There is much, more to come, as Dan is playing his guitars, and hopes he will be talent spotted and hold his own concert in Wembley Stadium in the very near future! You never know, he might be on ‘Britian’s Got Talent’ some time soon!
We are always considering new and interesting fund raising events with ideas such as an open mike night. Dan is such a brave man and he keeps me busy! We’re all so proud of his positivity in the face of such adversity, hence we are doing all we can to support his chosen charity.
Sarah Knight