It has become painfully apparent to both Joyce and myself (John) that cancers are far more widespread than is often believed. Almost everyone knows someone who has had some contact with cancer, either as a sufferer or a carer.

Myths and old wive's tales abound. Many are unfounded, but unfortunately have the potential to be detrimental to both the patient and their carers. We know, at first hand, the pain, the worry and the grief sometimes caused.

We also know of the tremendous individual battles waged by each patient, their carers, their nurses, their doctors and their consultants. Our thoughts are always with them.

There is hope, and lots of it! Frequent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer all work to the benefit of the sufferer, and little can compare to the wonderful glow of happiness when a patient enters remission and takes one step on the road to recovery; a glow which is truly shared by all!

Daniel was our son, and it was his untimely death which prompted our desire to join battle in the fight against cancers. We decided to concentrate our thoughts on Leukaemia and the Adult Leukaemia Unit at Christie Hospital.

We unreservedly apologise if you are upset by our story, but perhaps the sadness illustrates why we are doing what we are doing.

John and Joyce Shacklock