Pam initially became involved with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation when her dad was having a 70th birthday. He said he didn’t want any presents but instead wanted to give money to charity in memory of her late husband, Tom.
“Tom died of lung cancer in 2015. He’d been complaining of back and arm pain but he was such an active person we just thought he’d pulled a muscle. However, when he dropped to a 30” waist and developed a severe cough, I finally persuaded him to go to the doctors. After having a chest x-ray and bronchoscopy, he was told it was suspected lung cancer and was booked in for a CT biopsy the following week.
Unfortunately Tom became really ill over the weekend and was admitted into hospital. It transpired he had pneumonia, sepsis, ruptured lung abscesses and empyema. I really don’t know how he pulled through it but he did. However, it was the beginning of the end.
Tom just kept getting weaker and weaker. I was watching my life falling apart and there was nothing I could do about it. I just wanted to protect him, to make him better. But I couldn’t and I am so riddled with guilt that I didn’t do enough for him. I tried to cheer him up by organising our wedding but that too was hijacked by his illnesses. Thankfully we did manage to get married but it was not the wedding either of us wished for. Tom died four days later.
Fundraising gave me a sense of purpose and it helped take my mind off what had happened. After dad’s birthday collection, it kind of spiralled from there. I did the Colour Me Rad colour run 5k in May and The Paisley 10k in August. I’ve organised a quiz, raffle and charity auction as well as a 60s themed night.
This year I am doing Dry 2017 – not dry January, a completely dry 2017! I’m also hoping to host a black tie ball later in the year too.
I’m particularly proud to help fund lung cancer research and providing support to patients and families living with lung cancer. That’s something very close to her heart.
Pam finds comfort from helping others affected by lung cancer
Tom made my life complete and I am totally lost without him. I am honoured to have known him and, sadly, the only way I can continue to honour him now is to try and be the best I can be and raise money for this wonderful charity in the hope others don’t have to suffer as we did.”
So far, Pam has raised over £20,000 for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and we cannot thank her enough for what she has done and what she continues to do for us.
