Kevin Fisher played rugby for Wasps, London Welsh, Esher RFC, Cobham Rugby and London Irish. After finishing his playing career at Cobham, Kevin developed a passion for cycling. In September 2019 he was diagnosed with a Grade III cancerous brain tumour.
Later this month, Kevin is attempting to climb the height of Everest (8848m) on his bike in a single activity, by cycling up and down Box Hill approximately 70 times. He is doing this to raise money and help tackle this horrendous disease that is the biggest cancer killer in under 40's and yet is one of the most underfunded and researched.
Kevin shares his thoughts about the challenge ahead:
So, I am now on my 17th and final round of my chemotherapy. You would think this would be a time to celebrate. A time of happiness and excitement, however, it is quite the opposite.
I know that sounds negative and almost ungrateful in a way, something that definitely isn’t me. The fact is I have a condition that is incurable. I’m now heading into a stage of my journey that is called “watch and wait” (a surveillance period).
This means I will continue to have an MRI scan every 3 months. I am now heading into a period that I’m becoming increasingly anxious about. A feeling of helplessness and loss of control. My immediate thoughts are that my treatment has been the one thing keeping me alive and now that is coming to an end, surely my tumour will start to progress.
After numerous discussions with my oncologist, I know this isn’t strictly the case, but the truth of the matter is, I am entering a period of uncertainty and one where no one knows the answers. I’m literally as it says on the box waiting and watching.
The thing is, what am I waiting for? Am I waiting for the inevitable, or do I choose to get on with my life in the best way I can. The trouble is you lose that control. I’m trying to battle with my feelings and thoughts and what is helping me through this is my love of cycling.
Cycling has allowed me to think but more importantly it allows me not to think. I’m constantly giving myself challenges that helps give me a sense of purpose and prove to myself that I can still achieve my goals, but also to show others what can be achieved when faced with adversity.
I try not to look to far into the future. I live in 3 monthly cycles concentrating on one week at a time.
Visit the following JustGiving page to learn more about the challenge and donate to the cause:
To read more of Kevin’s blog visit:
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