With great appreciation and gratitude yabba-dabba-doo I’m finally home!

Wow that wasn’t the summer I was expecting however, the past 12 weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions, experiences, and growth for me. As I reflect on this period, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the incredible care, support, and encouragement I have received. This journey has been one of healing—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually—and I am immensely thankful for the people who have stood by me, offering strength when I needed it most!

First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the Christie Haematology Team. Your dedication to excellence is nothing short of extraordinary. From my very first encounter with Samar in December 2018 to these recent months, your team has consistently demonstrated a commitment to exceptional care. I’ve witnessed first hand how your values—kindness, compassion, integrity, and respect—are brought to life every day. You’ve treated me as a unique individual, not just a patient, and that has made all the difference in my journey. Your compassion, empathy, and professionalism shine through in every interaction, and for that, I am deeply thankful.

To the The Christie Haematology and HCA departments, your unwavering commitment to improving human life, preserving privacy, respecting cultural needs, and empowering patients is nothing short of inspiring.

Your work doesn’t go unnoticed, and I want you to know that the care you provide has a lasting impact on lives like mine. You deserve the highest recognition for your dedication, and if there were an award that fully captured the depth of my gratitude, I would give it to each and every one of you.

But beyond the professional care I’ve received, I am also profoundly grateful for the personal support I’ve had. My family friends and colleagues have been my rock through this process. Your love, encouragement, and constant presence gave me the strength to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges I’ve faced. There is nothing more reassuring than knowing I have a circle of people who have my back—who cheer for every small victory and stand by me through every setback! And boy I experienced it all over the last 12 years!!

As I now prepare to return home, I look forward with immense appreciation for the freedom and peace that come with this new chapter. I am blessed to be surrounded by such a strong, supportive 3-1-5 community, and looking forwards to enjoying the facilities and programmes designed to help not just myself however others in similiar circumstances of life regain my full strength in fitness health wellbeing and recovery.

I’ve been told to take it easy and yes everyone that knows me knows I’m not used to taking things easy, however, after my first walk I soon realised the road ahead will be slightly slower and longer. After all, I just had my 3rd hip replacement in 12 months, recovered from a infection that aged me 50 years and could barely walk and left me bent over at 90 degrees; my myeloma that had been left to increase whilst everything was sorted in a logical order. My heamaglobin is low so it does slow my pace down but I feel ready to face it, knowing I have the resources and the support to guide me back to health and I’m now on a wonder drug that all I care to know to me is Tavey the wonder drug!

Above all, I am filled with gratitude for my health. To be able to once again step outside, breathe in the fresh, crisp air, and enjoy the simple beauty of nature of home is something I will never take for granted. The ability to walk, move, and feel my body gaining strength each day is a gift, and I am committed to appreciating every moment of this recovery journey.