“There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept,
things we don’t want to know but have to learn,
and people we can’t live without but have to let go.”

These are the people I shall remember whilst running the Virgin London Marathon on April 25th 2010.

Colonel Norman West – my Grandfather – Osophogeal Cancer: we spent many hours together fishing from the banks of the Rivers Mole & Ember.  He was one of the most patient men on earth.  He liked nothing more than good company, a stiff drink and a pipe full of tobacco.  One of the few men of his age who liked to sit crosslegged on the floor..and occasionally even mastered the art of getting up again!  His attempts at gardening, cooking and decorating were normally disastrous but he learned to give ‘expert’ advice from the sidelines.  His illness was cruel but he never once complained.  One of his final moments was to enjoy a glass of whisky with my Father – he truly was an Officer and a Gentleman.

My Uncle – Osophogeal Cancer: He made time for everyone and was never slow to open a bottle of red!  He loved his family and friends, the phone was always ringing and the house never empty.

Friend – Ovarian Cancer:

Friend – Breast Cancer:

Friend – Pancreatic Cancer:

Who do you want to remember? I hope you feel able to add to this page by using the comments box below.  Alternatively, use the ‘Contact Me’ page to email me and I’d be honoured to put up a photo of the person you’d like remembered.