RIP Jules

So today marked World Cancer Day.... a day that'll always be precious to me, not only a day to unite and fight cancer together but also a day where a close friend of mine sadly has lost his fight.

Julian was fighting a rare type of cancer Ewing’s Sarcoma, for the past two years. Unfortunately an incurable type of bone cancer. We met at a meet up organised by Trekstock, a young persons cancer charity, last year, and hit it off straight away. We spent many a night messaging (whilst steroid insomnia kicked in!) about all sorts, mainly banter about rugby and his shit team choice, about treatment, about relationships, literally all sorts! Over the year I've had the honour of knowing this inspirational guy, he became a really good friend, someone who just understood, didn't ask stupid questions, didn't just talk Cancer the entire time, and we could openly laugh at/with one another regard side effects, long term effects etc without a care! His blog www.fightback2fitness.com is well worth a read. Honest, factual and inspirational.

His cancer had spread from the bones to the liver and lungs, and overall it was a very bleak outlook. Looking and talking to Jules, you would never have guessed. Constantly positive, constantly seeing the best in life. Even though he knew his days were numbered. How?! He was just an incredible human being, and one of the kindest most caring people I've met. Jules started a drugs trial before Christmas with the hope it would prolong his life, sadly it wasn't to be. Following two weeks in a hospice, sadly he lost his fight today, world cancer day and the start to the six nations (More his style!) of all days.

It's days like today, where suddenly every panic feeling, worry and dread come streaming back, and every glimmer of hope for a fear-free future completely fade. Cancer is simply, shit.

Rest In Peace Jules, a total inspiration xxx