In this febrile world we now live with its daily pollution from Trump and our own government it is difficult to remember that people are basically decent.

Four years ago today I started Chemotherapy for the cancer that was found in me earlier that year in July. It was a daunting day, I was full of nerves and trepidation as this was an unknown, it was outside my experience and despite all the reassurances of doctors and nurses I was very alone.

Enter one chirpy, kind individual who said that she would like to accompany me on this adventure. So early in the morning she left her home in Bath to come and collect me, drive me to the centre and stay with me while i underwent my first session. Those with experience will know that this is slow and drawn out, but throughout the day she was there in the chair next to me, reading to me, making me laugh, being a rock. Then when it was over she drove me home, made me tea and stayed until she was convinced I was okay to be by myself. It was along day in dark October.

As treatments went, this one turned out to be easy, I was tired, but it was later ones that laid me low and I didn’t experience the side effects of steroids for a few more days.

She wasn’t asked, but volunteered and it was an act of kindness that will never be forgotten. Thank you Sarana, I owe you.