At the age of 51, I was given just six months to live. Today, at 68, I’m still in remission. What a journey it has been! Reflecting on these years, I feel incredibly fortunate to have reached a stage in my life where I am truly satisfied—a place many people never get to experience.
My health is stable, I have an amazing family, and I’m deeply involved in SimPal, the charity I co-founded. It keeps my mind sharp and gives me a sense of purpose. Yet, I can’t fully shake the feeling of selfishness that has lingered since my cancer diagnosis.
Living with Cancer: Frustrations and Gratitude
Cancer has shaped my life in ways I never imagined. While I’ve been lucky to survive, my frustrations with the healthcare system remain. I wish I had the influence to drive the changes we so desperately need. I see friends and peers struggling with their health, and I feel the effects of aging myself. But despite the challenges, I know how lucky I’ve been.
One of my greatest joys is watching my grandchildren grow and thrive. It’s a privilege not everyone gets, and I cherish every moment I spend with them. They inspire me to keep moving forward.
Then there’s SimPal, our incredible charity. We’re the only organization in the UK tackling digital poverty in the way we do, helping people every day by providing free phones, data, and support. It’s a mission that keeps me and my team busy, and it’s deeply rewarding to see the lives we’re changing.
A Second Chance at Life
Since my cancer diagnosis in 2007, I’ve been living on borrowed time—a second chance at life that has completely transformed my perspective. I had 50 years of good health, during which I built a wonderful life and family. Now, I see it as my duty to give back, using the skills I gained in my earlier years to help others.
Giving back has become my passion, almost like a daily addiction. It fuels my soul and gives me purpose. But I’ve also learned that time is the most precious resource we have. We can’t buy more of it, so we must spend it wisely.
Making Memories
With that in mind, I’ve decided to tick off one of the most important items on my bucket list: a trip to Florida with my grandchildren. We’ll be guests of Mickey Mouse and his crew, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
This trip feels especially significant because, if I’m honest, it may be my last long-haul flight. My health is stable, but I know my limits. Having all my family together in the sunshine, hearing the laughter of my grandchildren, and seeing their joy will be irreplaceable.
Of course, this means SimPal will be closed for just over two weeks. It’s taken me a while to come to terms with the guilt of putting my family first, but I’ve realized how important it is to seize these moments while we can. Life is unpredictable, and the world seems to grow more uncertain every day.
A Life of Gratitude and Purpose
Looking back, I know I’ve been incredibly lucky. My life has been full of achievements, but none compare to the family I’ve created. That legacy is my greatest accomplishment, and I couldn’t be prouder.
As I get older, time seems to fly by faster. Watching my grandchildren hit milestones reminds me how fleeting these moments are. I’m ready for the quieter years ahead, but I’ll never stop working to make a difference. When I return, my focus will be back on SimPal and our mission to help the millions of people in the UK, trapped in digital poverty.
It’s amazing to think that even the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) is now referring clients to us. That recognition shows how vital our work is, and it motivates me to keep going.
Lessons from a Life Well-Lived
In recent years, I’ve been fortunate to work on projects that fuel my soul, rather than just my bank account. Not everyone gets to that point in life, and I’ll never take it for granted. I’m also grateful that my grandchildren still want their grandparents around—something I’ll treasure forever.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: don’t delay the things that matter most. If you have the chance to do something meaningful, do it now. Life is unpredictable, and time is a gift we can’t afford to waste.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have you faced similar challenges or found ways to give back? Please feel free to share your story in the comments below.
