Adrian Sudbury was a reporter for both the Huddersfield Express and Chronicle Series and the Huddersfield Examiner. In November 2006 the 25-year-old was promoted to digital journalist, effectively editing the new-look Examiner website.
Just two days into his new role he became seriously ill and called in sick. A week later he drove himself to A&E and was eventually diagnosed with leukaemia.
It was then identified that he actually had two distinct types of the disease running at the same time. According to the medical literature he was the only person in the world to have this condition. As such, it was not possible to offer Adrian a prognosis.
Here he shared his experiences of the disease and his treatment up until his passing.I have noticed there have been one or two requests to find out how I am feeling at the moment.
I reckon this just about sums it up.
This final shot taken from the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid - not actual footage - sums up perfectly how I feel.
I can’t beat this leukaemia but I can make a difference, I’m making the most of every breath I have left, I am spending time with some of the most wonderful friends and family anyone could ask to share their lives with; but more importantly I’m going down in style.
I wish I had never been hit with this disease and I wish I could have been cured.
Neither now apply, so all I can do is keep laughing, campaigning and say: “F*ck you cancer.”
How many people in their lives ever have a week like that?
I got to have dinner in the Commons, drink with Secretaries of State and then talk with the Prime Minister for 20 minutes.
I was wearing a suit and a bloody beanie hat in Parliament.
Not only that, I spoke live to millions of people on local, national and then international news. How many human beings ever get the opportunity to talk in front of up to 170 million people?
The numbers are literally head imploding if you think about it too much.
These are undoubtedly dreadful circumstances but actually it’s important for me that you all know I am having a blast and making, again, the best I can of a challenging situation.
With the petition going incredibly well I am determined to leave behind a lasting change that will benefit hundreds if not thousands of people in the future.
And I think the Government are listening as well. Gordon Brown has already written back to me asking for a list of celebrities that he could write to on my behalf to be involved with a video campaign to dispel the myths of bone marrow donation.
On top of that MP Kali Mountford has said she will continue to raise our campaign in Parliament and with all your help, and that of my journalist friends, I really think the pressure can be sufficiently maintained.
I won’t let this lie because I know there are so many people who are reading this blog who are waiting for, or know someone close to them, who need a transplant.
These people deserve a chance and it will be one that can be given them through better educating our young adults.
The media interest will fade now.
That was why it was important I squeezed all the awareness I could while I was flavour of the day and had good energy levels.
As we print hacks say: “Today’s news, tomorrow’s chip paper.”
With the campaign in full swing, my energy levels are now starting to taper off but I’m not done yet.
Now is the time to spend time with those who I care about and have supported me throughout all this.
There was one other mission I needed to take care of and that was to honour my commitment to Phil Driver.
You may remember my excellent friend Phil - great guy - who ran the London Marathon on my behalf and organised a huge football tournament, all in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust.
A couple of months ago he asked me to be his best man. I naturally agreed but had a bad feeling I might be unavailable for selection next summer.
So what I’ve decided to do, with help from colleagues, is make a special video speech from Liverpool - where we met at university.
The filming for that is done now and I hope it’s something both he and his beautiful bride-to-be Emma really like.
House Party
None of us choose when we are going to die but it is something that will happen to us all.
So let me ask you this.
What would you do if you were in my position?
My answer is forget all that sky diving, driving a super car really fast drivel. Get your friends round, get your family round, get Johnny the German Shepherd puppy and your six-year-old cousin over, sit out in the garden, have some great food and crack open the booze.
A slow start
Saturday will go down in my mind, and I’m sure many of the people who rocked up, as one of the best parties ever.
It was absolutely brilliant.
AD and Mish
Kicking off at 1pm at my parents’ house with my grandma, and friends of the family, there was then a steady squad rotation of additional family members, former Nottingham college friends, mates from journalism school, friends of friends and of course the whole crew from Liverpool University.
There were no plans as such and people just brought along a bit to drink.
My best mate Ben sorted out a lot of the food along with my wonderful aunty Helen who also kept things ticking over behind the scene.
My mum slow cooked a huge piece of pork so there was plenty of food for people to tuck into throughout the day.
As you can see from the pictures my mum and dad have worked hard over the years to make this beautiful garden and we got so lucky with the weather.
I was keen to point out that some clown would get drunk and end up falling in the pond - but I have to say it was a very civilised affair.
Despite there being a hint of sadness this was not a mawkish gathering just one awash with laughter and old friends having a splendid time together.
Smokers' corner - it gives you cancer guys
Every corner you turned you could bump into another interesting conversation, another laugh about old times and people who I care so dearly about.
I loved it because although I was the reason for the party, I was not the centre of attention and I didn’t feel like that’s why people were there. There were no speeches or anything serious, just lots of fun.
Ben and Emma make the punch
We sat outside until close to midnight, drinking punch, wine, joking, laughing, chatting, listening to music. I honestly could not have asked for a better evening with my friends.
Zoey, Mazzle-Dazzle and Ant
Phil, some bloke with cancer, Ben, Rachel and Sarah
We then retreated indoors to this karaoke game on the Playstation called Singstar.
You have got to love that game. I love the feeling of waking up in the morning and wondering if you’ve got a throat infection then suddenly realising no, you were just singing badly and loudly.
Olie and me rocking it
Time melted into the night and I took it upon myself to look outside and make sure everything was locked up.
I got outside, lost my bearings and suddenly realised my lower legs were drenched.
I was the drunken idiot who had ended up in the pond!
Laughing, I hauled myself out and began my shameful return to the house. I took off my soaked shoes, and in true comedy fashion poured the water out of them.
I then realised I did not have another pair of trousers.
I went upstairs to try and solve this problem when I met one of my friends Nel.
We were having a laugh about the story and she was helping me come up with some spare trouser ideas when she suddenly stopped, her jaw dropped, and said: “Boy, you are bleeding!”
I looked down and saw there was a whole trail of blood throughout the house, all over my mum’s wooden floors, and then this big pool on the carpet upstairs.
Well, we couldn’t stop laughing.
I took off my jeans to reveal a major gash in my right shin no doubt riddled with pond bacteria and other nasties.
Thankfully, I had a bag of platelets two days before so I was pretty confident I wasn’t going to bleed to death.
It was just one of those beautiful drunken moments where you are not in any pain, trying to stem a major bleed with scrunched up bits of tissue, all in a pair of unfortunately coloured bright blue boxer shorts.
Poppy, Rachel and Dr Sarah Brown
Anyway, to cut a long story short one of my friends, Sarah Brown, is a newly qualified doctor and I was surrounded with health professionals who were on hand to help out.
We washed it out and patched it up - no septicaemia yet my friends - and carried on drinking.
Got to bed about 4.30am.
Just to summarise how good the party was, here is a list of things that were left behind the following day;
1. A cardigan
2. Two iPods
3. Jewellery
4. A small bit of sick close to the herbaceous border
4. One sock
5. A pair of girl’s knickers
If anyone knows who these belong to please get in touch.
A game of cups up
When the option was put to me about further intensive treatment; that it was unlikely to work and that potentially it could kill me- there was no choice to make.
This is how I want my friends to remember me. Not crunched up vomiting into a sick bowl, miserable through the discomfort of chemotherapy.
But as someone standing on their feet, fighting to make a small but important difference, and most of all laughing with those I love and with those who love me.
The team
Comments (134)
Good on you Adrian! I would like to think I'd do the same as you if, God forbid, I were in your position (not sure I have such strength of character though!) I have both laughed and been in floods of tears at today's post! Continue to have fun, there are a lot of people rooting for you, many of whom like myself, have never met you - but you've made a massive impact on our lives and outlook! You can be confident your campaign has made a difference and will continue to do so.
Keep up the partying - look forward to hearing more...
All my love and best wishes Charlotte xx
Posted by Charlotte Newall | June 2, 2008 6:34 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 18:34
Laughter through tears... you have a gift. Thank you for making my life unexpectedly different. Yes, F*uck cancer and fear and suffering and ignorance.
Crap. You've moved in to my heart and thoughts, and I am at a loss for words. Get my message, please: You are making me a better person and I wish I could return the favor.
Nothing fancy for me... family, friends and laughter... it never gets any better.
Posted by Natalie | June 2, 2008 7:00 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 19:00
I've only recently discovered your blog, just wanted to say that I think your party sounds brilliant and I think you're doing something brilliant with the campaign and this blog. xx
Posted by kerrie | June 2, 2008 7:10 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 19:10
Blaze of glory, no doubt! Honestly, Adrian -- you made my day. I've been reading all the comments from well-wishers saying "Please tell us how you're doing!" and muttering to myself "He's BUSY eating pork pies and laughing and drinking and partying, people! He has no TIME to worry about US worrying about him!" but I have to admit, in the back of my mind I was thinking "okay, but I would love to know how he's doing..."
Sounds to me like you're doing everything you want, when you want, and how you want. Good for you!!
Take care,
Lacey
Posted by Lacey | June 2, 2008 7:25 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 19:25
Adrian,
I admire your plan to go on in your own terms while raising the awareness for fellow sufferers.
Way to go there drunkie and falling into the pond!
Television networks, ABC, CBS and NBC in the United States are coming together to raise awareness about cancer for a program to air in September. They are planning a telethon to raise money to aid in the cure of all cancers.
Have you thought to contact them to do a piece too? The organization they will represent is called Stand up to Cancer.
See: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24852356/ or www.standup2cancer.org
Personally, I have been intrigued by your dedication and hard work to raise awareness. In fact, I find myself checking your blog almost daily to read about how you are doing. You have become a great crusader of your affliction. I would be first to sign a petition to have your activism included in this simulcast.
With the weekend you had, I believe you have found a cure as they say laughter is the best medicine.
Stay healthy and humored.
Warmest Regards,
Kim
Cincinnati, Ohio USA
Posted by Kim | June 2, 2008 7:28 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 19:28
Hi Adrian
I so recognise some of what you say . As a lifelong T Totaller my mates thought it was great to see me off my tit on gas , I shaved my head to a mohican and decided if i was to lose the fight I would lose it laughing .
Yes there can be chip paper but my promise to you is I will do whatever I can to keep some momentum to the petition and anything else you think I can do just drop a line .
Respect Dan
Posted by Dan McCole | June 2, 2008 8:02 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 20:02
Hi Adrian, I have this amazing picture in my head of you. Someone very strong, much loved and someone who will be so missed by your amazing family and friends. I unfortunately now also have a picture of you with your trousers around your ankles!! I too have had someone very close to me hit by this cruel disease and sadly died waiting for a bone marrow transplant. With all your strength, determination and amazing spirit, I know you will make a difference. But please remember Adrian, to make time for yourself, as this is very precious to you and your family.
With love and great admiration Gaynor xx
Posted by Gaynor Hart | June 2, 2008 8:06 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 20:06
Hi Adrian,
Really pleased that you posted this update. Since hearing about your blog a couple of weeks ago I'm now checking it daily.
I'm so glad that you're still having a good time and remaining positive. You are an example to many. Your campaign has already educated millions of people, and I'm sure that your plans will educate many more - you've made a real difference.
Hope you keep enjoying yourself!
Best wishes,
Posted by Mark | June 2, 2008 8:41 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 20:41
Adrian, I have been reading your blog the past couple of weeks and have been amazed by your courage and strength. I live in the US and have been sending e-mails to friends about your message. I will continue to spread the word. I am glad that you had such a wonderful party. Now go and find the owner of those knickers..LOL.
Susan
Posted by Susan Burroughs | June 2, 2008 8:53 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 20:53
Brilliant, sounds like a super evening and I love the pond bit.
Keep up the hard work of enjoying your life. You deserve every minute of it.
Amanda
Posted by Amanada Nunn | June 2, 2008 8:55 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 20:55
Adrian-I heard your story on MSN so I checked out your site. Well, 4 hours later and you had me in tears! I stayed up until 2am reading your blog on Saturday and I was absolutely blown away. You are an incredible and beautiful human being and I'm sorry you have had to go through this. You should be proud at what you've accomplished.
Thank you for being an inspiration and for taking your precious time to tell your story. Your amazing!
Much love to you and your family
-Rachel (FL, USA)
Posted by Rachel Robbins | June 2, 2008 9:14 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 21:14
THE SUDS,
SOUNDS LIKE U HAD A REALLY GOOD TIME ON SAT.WISH WE COULD HAVE BEEN THERE 4 OLD TIMES SAKE!!!
BEEN WATCHING YOUR BLOG AND YOU WOULD MAKE ANYONE WHO HAS EVER KNOWN YOU SO PROUD 4 THE PRIVILEGE.
TAKE CARE,LOVE TO ALL
ALAN,MOREEN,CHERYL & STEVE
Posted by cheryl wilkes | June 2, 2008 9:36 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 21:36
HI Adrian I wanted to let you know I read your blogs all the time. You were in the news, that is how I came to know of this web site.I want to tell you that you give me hope to beat my cml with bone marrow transplant. Keep staying stong and living life to the fullest and know that you are in my prayers. I hope to meet you one day!
Chanel
Posted by CHANEL FIRTH | June 2, 2008 9:40 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 21:40
Rock on ! What a riot. I am a novelist and have decided that I shall base a book on you, so impressed and inspired am I by your strength of character - you shall live on, oh how you shall live on...
Posted by Katy Regan | June 2, 2008 9:40 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 21:40
Hi Adrian
That sounds so much better!
Liz
Posted by Liz Boffey | June 2, 2008 10:15 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 22:15
Hi Adrian
So glad to read your entry. I check every day twice a day. It sounds as though you had a wonderful Saturday, and all things taken into consideration what better than to be surrounded by those you love so much, and who love you. And you had fun! I think of you often throughout my day, no matter what I'm doing. You say the media interest will fade, but your inspiration and wonderful personality and warmth will never fade. It's amazing the love and total respect one can feel for someone we've never met. You are that person. I hope you have more Saturdays like the last one. Rock on and please write when you can!
What a week it was, what a week indeed!
With love and utmost respect to you and your family
Barbara xx
Posted by Barbara | June 2, 2008 11:13 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 23:13
Glad you had such a good night. Sounds similar to a day Donna had with her old school friends. We drank loads of chamagne and had lots of laughs!
The campaign will be an enduring legacy to you. Although we haven't met I feel as though I know you a little, and I'm really happy that the petition in your name is going so well.
You be careful about those infections!
Best wishes
Greg x
Posted by Greg Iredale | June 2, 2008 11:25 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 23:25
Hi Adrian,
My girlfrind and i are both members of Facebook and she has brought your plight and website to my attention today. You dont know me but I have to tell you I am deeply touched by your courage, I know you must have people tell you this every day and as the humble guy that you seem to be, I can imagine it becomes a bit repetative after a while. However I can kind of relate to you and where you are at. On Tuesday 20th May 2008 my little sister Grace passed away at home. Grace was diagnosed with a very rare form of leukaemia (plasmacytic, dendritic cell) in December. The only recognised records of this strand were in France and out of the 20 cases reported, only 1 made it into Remission, so we knew that we were up for a fight. My oldst brother was planning on cyling from Lands End to John O'Groats to raise both money and awareness for "The Anthony Nolan Trust" but Unfortunately we found out on 13 May that her fight was coming to an end and that there was no more treatment they could do. Feel free to visit her website @ www.getgraciebetter.co.uk where you can read a little more about her fight aginst this terrible disease. Graces funeral is tomorrow and it will enable us to start our grieving process properly but we all take some comfort out of the fact that Gracie died at home and with her family around her. Throughout her illness she kept her spirits up and always had a smile on her face. I remember people coming round to our family home with tears streaming from their eyes, however after spending time with Grace they would leave with a smile on her face. It is courage like hers and that which you show, which makes you really appreciate what a sh*t day really means. My outlook on life has completely changed now but I can honestly say its for the good. I know now that when times are bad its not really a snippet of what people like your good self and my dear sister feel and I am determined to live my life to the full. I feel extremely touched by your story an have to tell you that I have such a huge amount of admiration for your courage and the good that you continue to bring to this harsh world. God Bless you mate, I hope you can enjoy some priceless memories and I am 100% sure that your legacy like my sisters, will continue to live in our hearts forever. Thanks for sharing you Journey with us.
Sincere wishes.
Ian Cooper
Posted by Ian Cooper | June 2, 2008 11:36 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 23:36
Hi,
I was wondering if you'd set up a facebook page to promote the petition? sad gits like me are always on it and could send it to all of our friends,
Claire x
Posted by claire | June 2, 2008 11:38 PM
Posted on June 2, 2008 23:38
Hi Adrian,I have been following your blog recently and think youre doing a wonderful job.i'm sorry but my comments are a little bit different to other posts here.Have you ever thought what lies ahead?This journey that we all are going to commence at some point in our life,how much thought have we given it?do we just die and thats it?this human being thats so important while he is alive ,just dies and then is totally forgotten?i'm sure you'll agree it's against logic.i dont want to preach to you and i'm sure you have a lot on at this time,but please give this a moment of your time.please research on the net Islam.have a look at the quran.may god make it easy and show us all the straight path.thanks for reading this.
Posted by Zubair | June 3, 2008 12:06 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 00:06
Hi Adrian,
I just today heard about your site - thank you for it. I wanted to let you know that a friend of mine, age 55, in the Western US, has ALL and AML together, just diagnosed within the last two weeks. She is in the crushing whirl of diagnosis and is VERY sick, but we are trying to keep a good thought and help her one day at a time.
I can tell from your site that you are not alone, I wanted to let you know you are not alone by diagnosis.
Peace, Jenny in Iowa
Posted by Jenny Britton | June 3, 2008 3:09 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 03:09
Hello Adrian,
I consider myself very lucky to have found your blog today. I look forward to reading each and every one of them until I catch up. I will also be sending this link out to friends. I have been involved with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for many years and next week our Hike Team will be hiking Yosemite. They have been training, fundraising and raising awareness for the past 17 weeks. As of last week this Hike Team has raised over $120,000. We are very proud of them. I am the Honored Teammate Captain and my job is to put a face to the cause. I would love to add your photo to our Honored Hero Board that will accompany us to the hike. That board holds the faces and stories of many amazing , strong and courageous people.
Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Have a Happy Day,
Alyce Toombs
California , USA
Posted by Alyce Toombs | June 3, 2008 6:30 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 06:30
Dear Adrian,
Thank you for taking some of your precious moments to write Ryan. It helped him accept your situation and decisions a lot. I appreciate that you would consider his feelings, someone you have never met and who lives an ocean away. You are a dear!
I am very proud of you. You have had some incredibly tough choices to make and you have turned around each time and made the most of your life and considered those around you each moment. I think I read earlier that your ambition was to be a national journalist and "By Jove" you have international acclaim - not the way you would have planned but I cannot fail to see the beauty in how this goal was achieved and what a HUGE impact it will have now and in the future. Just when you were on the verge of giving up (even before the recent news of recurrance) you pulled yourself together and now stand tall full of courage and fortitude to meet life and its storms full-on. Well Done Adrian! Ryan and our family will always be proud to know you and always find strength in the courage you showed when the going got as tough as it possibly could. You are a good man and I thank you for giving us the chance to "know you better, man!"
Love and with admiration,
Amy Patrick
(Ryan's mom)
Posted by Amy Patrick | June 3, 2008 7:30 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 07:30
Well done thanks for taking the time to let us all know how you are when you have so little left you are selfless at this time it is really a test of character. I think I would be much more selfish with what I had left. I am going to miss posting you notes on this blog. I have to say I am quite jealous I have not known you, you really do come across as the most amazing individual. Your parents must be so proud of you. You will be sorely missed not only buy them but by all of us and the people who you have touched with this blog what a talent for writing you have and because of this there will be a lasting testament to you. Hey and when we all dye you will get some feedback as to how it is all going. I think what you have done is amazing and I am sure people will carry on after you have gone making this a lasting legacy in your honour and enriching the lives of the people who you have tirelessly campaigned for who will get the chance of life. Well done I think few people will live their longer lives having achieved so much. If anything you have gained a lot of admirers along the way.
Now forget about us and enjoy what is left let a friend do it for you. We will watch with interest and hope that when you are gone someone will contact us to let us know what we can do to help. We come from all areas a lot of us have children in school .... small steps as they say to your huge ones.
God bless you
Henny
Posted by Henny | June 3, 2008 8:55 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 08:55
Hi Adrian
Like all the above, I'm so glad that you had such a great time with family and friends and took time out of your crusade to just enjoy yourself!I was more relieved that you had posted a blog and were ok because like thousands of other people, I have become addicted to your site and like all typical mothers, was worried when we hadn't heard from you!
Love the picture, by the way!
Sally
Posted by Sally | June 3, 2008 9:07 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 09:07
Well they should have been Superman pants, that's all I can say!
Posted by Roobeedoo | June 3, 2008 9:44 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 09:44
Well done Adrian!! Keep your spirits up mate!!
xx
Posted by Leigh Mcalpine | June 3, 2008 9:54 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 09:54
Rock on!
India
Posted by India | June 3, 2008 9:56 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 09:56
Keep doing the same as you're doing mate. I reckon this is better treatment than any amount of radio/chemo. I think it could keep you going for ages - and if not, it's a great way to go out.
Respect to you my cyber-friend.
Posted by Richard | June 3, 2008 10:24 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 10:24
Hello Adrian
I read about your blog in Press Gazette and wanted to stop by. Your candidness and obvious bravey is inspiring. I have signed your petition and want to give you my very best wishes.
Rob Griffin.
Posted by Rob Griffin | June 3, 2008 10:28 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 10:28
Hi Adrian
i check your blog every day now for an inspiring read. you have altered the way i perceive everything in my life and for that i must say a huge thank you! i have signed your petition and support what you are doing 100%. obciously hundreds of people feel the same or it wouldnt have taken me 5 minutes to scroll down the page to write this comment!
i cant really put into words how amazing i think you are and your attitude is. i do hope that your relationship hasn't been the deciding factor to give up on the treatment though...
i hope to read many more entries on here and read the report from your friends wedding next summer. why shouldn't you be here?! i pray that you will be and that a miracle happens for you.
did you find out who's knickers they were!?
I look forward to reading the next installment...
Kara
Posted by kara | June 3, 2008 10:36 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 10:36
I still can't believe that you, the ONLY one of us that's lived in you're parents house and should know the garden like the back of your massive hand, fell in the bloody pond! I think we should all congratulate your parents for a sterling job looking after us all both on the morning after and the night before!
As I pointed out to a number of people on Saturday night, not only were you the reason we were all gathered together for such a brilliant party, but you are solely responsible for the fact that I knew anybody there at all. In October 1999 when we met on a darkened corridor in M-block at D&R Halls of Residence, Liverpool, I was a shy boy who, quite literally, would have stayed in his room friend less and unloved had it not been for your amazing way with people. I would later meet all the amazing people (including my wife-to-be I might add!) sat around on the grass at your parents on Saturday night, huddled into the smallest corner we could find!
For this I am, and shall always be, indebted to you Sudders!
It's just a shame I had to be taken to bed at midnight.....
Tom
XXX
Posted by Tom Ward | June 3, 2008 11:25 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 11:25
I have done many things in my drunken state before but i have never ended in a pond.
All hail Sudders!
xx
Posted by Laura Oakley | June 3, 2008 11:36 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 11:36
Hi Adrian,
I was told of your blog by a relative and logged on straight away. I too am suffering from leukaemia. I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia last August after feeling slightly run down for only four or five days. After four months of horrendous chemotherapy I had a bone marrow transplant in December. Although I'm still not disease free the prognosis is hopeful.
Reading your blog has been inspiring. Your courage and wonderful personality shine through. I know that I could not have got this far without the love and support of my fiance and my parents.
Keep creating the good memories!
Best wishes
Stephanie Wheatley
Midlothian Scotland
Posted by Stephanie Wheatley | June 3, 2008 12:02 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 12:02
Hi Adrian
Glad the party went well.
Been thinking of you.
It's 5yrs ago today that Matt started to get sick and then it was confirmed on the Friday he had AML.Then our lives changed for good!
He is well and can't wait for Sept 24th to get here as he will be 5yrs post BMT.
Stay strong.
All our love
Jackie
Posted by Jackie Woodley | June 3, 2008 12:24 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 12:24
nobody knows what time they have its good too hear that you are enjoying yourself as best you can x
Posted by pamela | June 3, 2008 12:26 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 12:26
Reading your pages and peoples comments has given me back my faith that there are good people left in the world, not everyone is a thug or a pain. You have made a big difference to the world and will be remembered hugely and with love, which is more than a lot of people can say. God Bless.
Posted by Nicki Jayo | June 3, 2008 12:56 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 12:56
To be surrounded by love and laughter as your bright star slowly fades...is the best medicine to make these last few weeks or months seem like it's the best time of your life.
My older sister suffered for numerous years with different treatments for SLE, and after more than 200 hospital stays in her lifetime, she knew that she never wanted to slip away in their care.
She was much like you - surround her with family and friends, and have a good house party with much laughter and love...and good food, of course!
It takes alot of dignity and courage to live as you are; taking one day at a time and squeezing the most you can from it. Seeing the brilliant colors; there are no shades of grey for you now.
Blessed Be, Adrian.
Posted by april | June 3, 2008 1:48 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 13:48
Hi Adrian,
A couple of weeks ago, while aimlessly browsing the net I came across your blog. Well wow! What an amazing person you seem to be, you are an inspiration and suddenly all of my menial issues and problems are blown out of the window! You have done an astonishing job with regards to opening people’s minds to cancer and leukaemia.
You live life to the fullest, you are courageous and you are astounding. You have proven that one person can make a difference.
With light and love
Jen
Posted by Jennifer Carr | June 3, 2008 1:51 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 13:51
Adrian,
A fantastic post ( as ever) that makes us realise that the truly important things in life are the family and friends that we have and the common past that we all share. You are inspiring me to appreciate what's really inportant in my life, thank you. Your courage and ability to make the most of every moment is humbling Take care Sarah xx
Posted by sarah blenkinsopp | June 3, 2008 1:53 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 13:53
Hi Adrian:
How generous you are to share about what's going on with you. Thank you for this update and I love the picture!
Sending you good thoughts.
Also just wanted to let you know that I received my bone marrow donation kit this morning (for those of you in the US http://marrow.org) and I did my cheek swabs and sent it off. I would never have done this if it wasn't for you! You have made a huge difference.
The party sounds like so much fun. Glad you had good weather for it.
Thinking of you,
Caitlin
Denver, CO USA
Posted by Caitlin Magee | June 3, 2008 2:07 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 14:07
hey adrian thought I'd take another look at the site after chatting today - meant to leave a message last week after seeing your photo with the PM - top cheeky grin! Sounds like it was a top party ... and congrats on how many hits you're getting on the blog.... amazing! rony claims he's now stuck in a security check at bristol - I reckon it's the beard!
catch you soon, keep making the most of every minute!
Kate (radio sheff)x
Posted by kate linderholm | June 3, 2008 3:20 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 15:20
You have made me laugh and cry all at the same time! My husband had AML and an unsuccessful bone marrow transplant and sadly lost his battle in October 2003. His last two weeks were in hospital and I so wish we could have had a "party" like you have done. You are an amazing individual! I feel honored to be part of your left through your blog.
Posted by Lianne Thompson | June 3, 2008 4:07 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 16:07
Yo A D
Sorry i couldn't stay longer at the party, work always gets in the way. Reading this i'm even sorrier for not staying as it sounds like it got really messy as all good parties do. It was a cracking day and great to see you and Hunter again. In fact it was worth it just to see Johnny the dog have his wicked way with Whitaker's head. Apparently being vegan means you also can't say no to an animals sexual advances. Thank your parents for me for putting on such a good spread and keep doing exactly what you're doing. Oh and please never let anyone see those photos of us from rock city!
You're a legend
Tom
Posted by whalley | June 3, 2008 5:00 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 17:00
Hay Mate
sounds like a great weekend! i can't work out how a person i have never met can make me laugh and cry at the same time - your a star!!!
Hope you having fun and thanks for keeping us updated
cheers
derek
Posted by Derek Miller | June 3, 2008 5:09 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 17:09
Keep rocking Adrian, You are SO right that nothing is more important than your friends and family and just getting out there and creating those fantastic memories, smiling and laughing and having fun.Thank you for the blog update, now get back to the important stuff, you and your fantastic friends and family. We are all thinking of you and sending you love.
Nickix
Posted by Nicki | June 3, 2008 5:17 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 17:17
Hi Adrian,
Your story today is my favorite so far - what a perfect day! You have this whole life thing figured out. Just letting you know I emailed Oprah for you today - maybe you could do an interview via satellite if you have the energy. I know you're appealing to the British government, but she reaches so many people across the globe. Thinking of you today & always.
Kate
Posted by Kate Canal | June 3, 2008 6:12 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 18:12
Hi Adrian-
I read your blog this morning as I have done every day since I found you;you will never be "chip paper" to anyone who has heard or read about you;you are one courageous very talented young man and I thank you for bringing awareness of bone marrow donation to so many people -to help improve survival in the future and,I hope millions support the petition-apparently 100,000 people have signed up for GMTV bikini diet-if only they would sign the petition to bring awareness of blood ,organ & bone marrow donation to students in schools & colleges-
I haven't sent you any more recent messages
because I have been preoccupied with my low platelet count and today everything is down and looks abysmal for me...
Athony Nolan is dear to my heart because my mum had multiple myeloma and in those days the only info I had was from International myeloma foundation uk-but these days more info is available and you have/are contributing to that-
I think about you and wish you well
Best Wishes June King
Posted by JUNE KING | June 3, 2008 6:44 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 18:44
I look after a 14 yr old who started his work-up for BMT today. Every day I am silently full of gratitude to the unknown donor - and hope he takes good care of himself! Our rollercoaster ride is taking a new turn as we go into this tunnel - enjoy the triumphant spins that yours is doing now!
Thinking of you, Kestrel
PS My next job - sign the petition....
Posted by kestrel | June 3, 2008 6:52 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 18:52
HI Adrian,
I came across your blog a couple of weeks ago and read from the beginning. I must say, you're amazing and an inspiration to others!
It's nice to see that you had a great time at the party and are keeping your spirits positive and enjoying life!
Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Keep doing what you're doing and take care and have fun!!!!!!
Posted by GLSD | June 3, 2008 7:48 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 19:48
Hey Adrian! I haven't posted a message for a couple of weeks but have been keeping up with your blog, just wanted to say congratulations on getting the petition and campaign into the public eye so brilliantly! Awesome work, you must be so proud of what's being achieved.
The party sounded like a complete blast, excellent stuff! :-D
Best wishes, thinking of you,
Catherine x
Posted by Catherine | June 3, 2008 8:13 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 20:13
Glad you had a great party.
Just signed your petition. Also tried to register as a bone marrow donor but deemed too old, what a cheek!!!!!!! Best wishes to you.
Posted by Fiona Methven | June 3, 2008 8:21 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 20:21
Adrian,
What a party I wish I could have been there your family and friends sound fantastic! you described it so well, everyone will have fond memories of that day I am sure and how lucky were you with the weather a little window of sunshine in all this gloom quite literally ! Your doing brilliantly keep it up.
Jaqui xxxx
Posted by jaqui phillips | June 3, 2008 8:23 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 20:23
My God Luv!!!
You sure know how to have a good time! the story of your blue boxers had me laughting until tears came out! it sounded like such a good party, what a way to go out! you have a lot of people that truly love you and are crazy about you...I'm not melancolic, I know you don't want any of that, but is so good to hear from you and I luv the pic! good choice :)
Keep smiling and enjoying yourself...lots of squeezes and a sloppy kiss!
Love,
Olga
Posted by Olga | June 3, 2008 8:29 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 20:29
Hi Adrian
I have signed the petition and I am spreading the word about bone marrow donation in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. I am from Huddersfield and catch up with The Examiner on the web and back at home when visiting my family. You have made such an impact to many people’s lives. Keep fighting and make the most of every moment.
I have arranged for a Bone Marrow Donor Session to be held in AMERSHAM AT ST JOHN’S METHODIST CHURCH, WOODSIDE ROAD HP6 6AJ ON THURSDAY 3RD JULY BETWEEN 4.30PM AND 7.30PM. The local paper here, The Buckinghamshire Examiner ran your story 2 weeks ago is backing this session. I have said that it was partly your story which inspired me to get this session arranged, the other part is due to my fiancé needing a transplant once his chemo for Myeloma is completed.
Sending you lots of love and warm wishes.
Rachel x
Posted by Rachel Peck | June 3, 2008 8:58 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 20:58
Adrian,
I just wanted to say how in awe I am of your courage. You are an inspiration to us all..
My Mum is a survivor of Leukaemia so am familiar with the Bone Marrow process and how simple it is to sign up and potentially save a life. Am going to focus all efforts on getting people to sign up. The selfless work you have done is amazing..
You are doing brilliantly - keep it up and keep smiling.
Posted by Joanna | June 3, 2008 9:06 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 21:06
Have been reading your blog for a while since a friend was diagnosed with leukemia and is now waiting for a BMT. Great to see what you have achieved in such a short period of time.
I have signed the petition but here's a thought/idea for you.
Why not combine the idea you had for your freinds wedding and the campaign? - film a short section that could be included in the sixth form talk explaining the difference a BMT can make and if you can interview a couple of donors to take the fear away. If you want to get into every sith form in th ecountry then you will be relying on staff to give the message to kids and nothing would speak louder than your own words.
You have a great gift with words and an ability to really convey laughter and emoition with them!
Have fun
M
Posted by Margaret | June 3, 2008 9:23 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 21:23
You are a living legend. Sounds like you all had a brilliant time. As another writer pointed out it is a bit lame that 100,000 people signed up for a bikini diet but so far less than 4,000 have signed up to your petition (although it is an amazing effort, I am not being critical of you of course but just reflecting on where priorities seem to lie in our rather warped society). Again it would be good if the petition could go on Facebook or similar to appeal to the yoof!
One other thing to tick off your list is that you now seem to have quite a few stalkers. I tend to log on at least once a day and I see I'm not the only one.
Keep enjoying every day as much as you can and living for now
Love
Jo
x
Posted by Jo | June 3, 2008 9:36 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 21:36
Dear Adrian,
Hello from Washington, D.C.! Wishing that you to continue squeeze every last ounce of every last day with the vigor and vitality that we should all possess! Last night, a dear, dear friend died of AML and I was able to say goodbye right as she passed on.. even spending two months in the hospital, she managed to squeeze the life out of every moment. Having spent a lot of time with her while she was in the hospital, I learned an extraordinary lesson in humanity; life gets distilled to its pure essence. (which doesn't include tons of money, promotions, big houses, etc.) I told her about your blog on Saturday and tried to recount as much as I could from memory...she wished you well.. Blessings for you and your family.. and many many more laughs and wonderfully enjoyable times.. all the best from WDC.. Kindly, Kimberly P.S. You're extremely adorable. :)
Posted by Kimberly Beer | June 3, 2008 9:54 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 21:54
Adrian- I also forgot to mention that I will register as a donor. Kimberly
Posted by Kimberly Beer | June 3, 2008 10:00 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 22:00
Hi Adrian
The party sounds really cool I especially like the singstar bit my friends and I are huge fans very unfortunate if you live next door he he.
Being a little older than you I opt for the 80's hits Soft Cell, Spandau, Duran Duran and Madonna.
I hope your shin is ok now sounds like that might have been painfull when you woke up.
I completley get what you mean about not spending the last months throwing up I never thought I would feel that way but I do Im really glad that by the sounds of things your family and friends seem to agree with your choice its something that you can only understand when your in that position and no one can tell you different.
I do look at my illness (pnh and aplastic aneamia) as a gift but hopefully one that I will learn from and then recover from. after following your blog for some time I think you too are a gift to the world its true compassion to strive for something better for others.
I still dont think you should give up although I get what you mean about Chemo have you thought about alternatives? Reiki, Macrobiotics, self healing, meditation etc It can happen you know and if not the least it can do is keep you relaxed but also keep your energy levels up.
I wish you all the best Adrian Im sure love and light will follow were ever you go the darkest moment is the one right before the dawn.
Melanie xxx
Posted by melanie williamson | Ju