Charlie.

“Hi, I’m Charlie.

To bring some context into the equation. I was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma as a teenager and then relapsed 12 years later, coming away from both experiences ever grateful that I did but with an overwhelming sense of guilt. Guilt in knowing that so many people have been less fortunate.

Diagnosis of cancer at any age is quite literally one of those side-lining moments, one that stops you in your tracks and leaves you in total despair and never feeling quite so alone – a real WTF moment.

At the age of 18, one minute I was trying to lose my virginity and the next diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – I literally didn’t know where to go or what to do – regardless of my network of friends and family that I had around me, I never felt more alone than I did then. The fact that it returned again 12 years later (when I had finally lost my virginity!); well, that was just taking the proverbial piss.

So, what does this all lead to? Well, here I am at the tender age of 45 reaching out a hand to any of you out there who has been directly or indirectly affected by cancer to say you don’t need to be afraid and you definitely aren’t alone. There is support and help out there should you need it – in fact, it’s right here.

Does this help alleviate the guilt? Not entirely. But in life we need to learn from our experiences right? And where possible, help others in the process.

Whilst acknowledging cancer diagnosis and survival has had a profound effect on me and those around me – I  also continue on my wider healing journey and beyond just this experience alone.

Exploring the psychological impacts of how our childhood can shape us as adults; the impacts of alcoholism, suicide and loss on our lives; relationship patterns stemming from subconscious and conscious behavioural patterns and much more.

I’m not going to pretend to be a qualified therapist or psychologist; but I can emphasise with a lot of you out there and I know that sometimes all you need is to be able to talk to someone, be that to or with a complete stranger. It’s the knowing that we have something in common from the outset, that can be comfort in itself.

So please don’t hesitate to get in touch and I look forward to hearing from you!”