My nephew John

This is another uncharacteristically serious post.  In September, my nephew John was diagnosed with bowel cancer.  His wife, Stella, suggested he write a blog of his experience which he called 'Me and My Friend'.  This is his first entry:

'Why me and my friend?

Yesterday, after a battery of tests, I found out that I have bowel cancer and it seems so unreal that it feels as though this is happening to someone I know very well but not me.

I am a complete novice at 'blogging' and thought that it may be an interesting way of plotting my progress through the medical procedures over the coming months. I also thought my blog may strike a note with other people in a similar circumstance.'
 
His blog is just like him, honest, unflinching, funny, tough and completely positive.  It makes hard reading for those of us who love him, but he faces the fear head on.  It charts his path through diagnosis, prognosis and treatment in a clear and unsentimental way, and logs his determination to retain his fitness levels with cycle rides, gym work and outings on his beloved motorbike.  I think that it might help others in a similar situation.  His blog can be found on  http://john-day.blogspot.com/

The picture was taken on a trip to Nice with Stella over the New Year.  He's fireman so was helplessly drawn to the French fire engine!