Mike Andrews of Ferndown writes…

In 2024 I had three cancer operations on my face and neck, one lasting 6 hours. I spent 9 days in hospital. 2025 was a terrible year, expecting to be given the all clear in January, jut before my appointment another lump appeared and erupted in the same area, left hand side of my face between the eye and ear. Oncology said it could only be contained at this stage and not cured. Also the radiotherapy has caused Trismus leaving me unable to open my mouth very wide (could barely get 2 fingers in between). Poor sleeping also resulted in sciatica which lasted from September to Christmas.

I am still Town Crying the usual local events but my competition days are sadly over. I will try and get to Wareham for Jacqui’s event in July just to meet up with people.

All that being said I am currently feeling better in myself and I have signed up to the MacMillan Mighty Hike in an effort to raise some money whilst I can, hiking the marathon (26.2 miles) on 4th July for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Here is a link to my fundraising page.

https://mightyhikesfundraising.macmillan.org.uk/fundraising/mikes-fundraising-page702?edit=page