When David's wife, Gill, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, their lives changed forever. Now, in Gill's memory, David and his friends are taking on an ambitious golfing challenge, pushing themselves to raise vital funds for cancer charities like Breast Cancer Now. They've already raised over £100,000 and are determined to go even further.
Tell us about Gill
My beautiful wife, Gill, brightened every room. She was a dedicated teacher who adored floristry. We have 4 children together, and everyone would say that Gill was truly the most thoughtful and kind person you’d ever meet.
In 2018, at just 57, Gill received a diagnosis of . She had a and 28 removed. It was a massive shock, but Gill was never one to back down.
What was Gill’s treatment journey like?
For the first 2 years, Gill faced a relentless cycle of , and countless medications. We had more pills in our house than Boots. She was declared in remission at least 3 times and even had a life-threatening sepsis infection at one point.
I tirelessly tracked every new drug and treatment development, so we could make sure we explored every possible option for her recovery. Gill tried any new drug that the suggested, always holding onto hope.
This journey is incredibly tough, as anyone affected by breast cancer knows. Yet, throughout it all, Gill never once complained. She was determined to keep going, for herself and for me and the kids too. Her spirits remained high even on the toughest days. She even stepped up her daily dog walking routine, I honestly couldn’t keep up with her!
How did Gill cope?
Beyond the physical toll, Gill's resilience was extraordinary. Throughout her treatment, she carried on teaching and even won a national teaching award along the way. She supported our 4 children the entire time. And she had a wonderful group of friends who were there to offer help in any way they could. Gill was surrounded by love and support, which she was always very grateful for.
In early 2022, after 4 years, the cancer returned once more and worse than before. It had spread initially to her lungs, and then to her back and liver.
What happened after Gill’s secondary breast cancer diagnosis?
Everything moved quickly after we learned that Gill’s cancer came back. A few months later, in Spring 2022, she started having trouble breathing. She had 2 drains put in to release fluid from her lungs. Gill was always so proud of her appearance, so this was awful for her. She started staying home more and couldn’t walk our dog anymore.
Gill had less and less of an appetite, and she could only sleep sitting up in bed. For the next few months, she was in and out of hospital a few times, which was always scary. That summer, on July 11, she went in for the last time.
My daughter Lulu and I were by her side the whole time, until the early morning. On July 12, Gill passed away.
When did you start fundraising?
After Gill was first diagnosed, I wanted to do something to raise money for breast cancer research and support. In 2018, 7 friends and I did 72 holes in a day at Beaconsfield Golf Club. Together, we raised £15,000 for cancer charities, including Breast Cancer Now.
This time, I’m determined to go above and beyond. We’re taking on an even more ambitious challenge, and we’ve united with even more golfers. Together, we’re teeing off 100 holes in a single day, with no buggies! We're targeting the UK's 2 biggest cancer killers – breast cancer and prostate cancer – with funds going to Breast Cancer Now and Prostate Cancer UK.
We have a host of sporting legends and TV stars supporting our efforts, playing the 100 with us, or promoting the event on social media. We've already smashed our £100,000 target, which feels absolutely incredible! But we’re not slowing down any time soon and the donations keep coming in.
How does your family feel about your fundraising?
This event means so much to us all. Everyone sees it as a great way of remembering Gill and doing something in her honour. I’m sure Gill would be proud of all our efforts.
Do something amazing
You can get involved in a golf fundraiser like David. Get your local club, friends, family and neighbours involved to tee up and help raise money for a loved one affected by breast cancer.