Monday 4 April 2022

Illness

Reflecting on things now, it is apparent that I have enjoyed a charmed life when it comes to being ill. Growing up in the 1950s, I succumbed to most of the then normal childhood diseases like measles and whooping cough - little heard of today. 

But in adult hood, other than a scattering of the colds that teachers are especially prone to catching, serious illness has almost never come my way.

Things have begun to fall apart rather badly now though.

I am slowly typing this post on my unfamiliar mobile phone while sitting in a hospital ward  awaiting the start of radiotherapy to attempt to slow the spread of an incurable and aggressive cancer in my throat.

I had always imagined that I would outlive my lovely Dad, who made it to 82. It seems l am going to miss that target by quite a margin with my life expectancy measured in months rather than years. 

It's a very scary time. I'll be having some chats with Sue. I will attempt to post updates as we plan our new way forward.

17 comments:

Unknown said...

Richard you are a much-loved friend. I hope they can slow the cancer down. Thinking of Sue and sending love and best wishes to both of you. Geraldine and Martin xx

Anonymous said...

Of course, I have already heard your devastating news and know that no words will ever describe how saddened I am that your life will be cut so short. You have been, and still are, a most wonderful friend. We have had many fun filled days together, drunk a few drinks(!!), speculated on the future of the planet and encouraged and helped each other with whatever life has thrown at us. I will, truly, miss all that.

Your life has certainly never been dull and you have chased your dreams. The years you have spent on Skye with Sue building up your very successful self catering business have been hard work but rewarding and enjoyable. We loved visiting you on Skye and, of course, always looked forward to your trips down south. Wonderful memories to cherish for the rest of my life.

Unknown said...

Sad to hear Richard. I've been following (stalking?) since you & SUe went Northwards.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Richard,

You and Sue became our Skye Family , our Skye brother and sister for many years .... we just hit it off from the start and we shared so many happy times and some sad ones too but always glad to know that each one of us was always there if needed .
I tried very hard to lead Sue astray on our frequent girls sleepover in Inverness but never quite managed to pull it off !! ....but we had such laughs and I hope we will again
Nothing will ever change Richard , I will always be there for Sue as she is for me ...we have a bond that can not be broken .....though sometimes I wish we lived closer ...


As you know I am in the final stages of selling my wee cottage and then, my friend, I shall be heading north to pay you and Sue a visit
Thinking of you and sending ‘ big love and hugs’ to you both xx....


Anonymous said...

Richard you are an inspiration to all who know you, I’ve only known you fleetingly while you taught my Son Aaron. You helped me and God knows how many other Parents of these special people. I want to wish you all the best in this fight,
Sending all my love to you and Sue
Diane and Aaron xx

Annemarie lea said...

Richard. You were my inspiration to go into teaching. You were a rock to me when i went through the autism journey with my son. I couldn’t of done it without you. You have always supported me when I’ve done something crazy for charity and my heart is truly broken to read your blog! Pls fight the world needs more like you right here. All my love to you and sue xxxx

Anonymous said...

Hi this is Amber Cayley. You were an amazing teacher to me. keep strong, you got this.

Anonymous said...

Though I do not know you personally, I've been following your blog for several years. I have been with you on many of your adventures, and hope they will continue.

Take care of yourself and your lovely wife! I wish you good times as you process this new adventure.

Sharon Richards, Arizona, USA

Anonymous said...

Dear Richard,
You don't know me, I am one of those readers who has been guilty of vicariously enjoying your life on Skye without having the manners to contribute anything in return and say 'thank you'.

I apologise that it takes such devastating news to make me leave a comment. Nothing I can say that might change your outcome, other than wishing you and Sue the very best.
Beth.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear this Richard. I too had a large growth in my neck/ throat at the start of lockdown. Mine was benign and removed. I went through all the tests amd sat through the night thinking things over. You taught me a lot when we worked together, things I still do. You have been lucky and got to do so much that you wanted to. Keep strong.

witomski said...

🤍💕🤍💕🤍💕🤍

Floyd said...

Sorry to read this Richard, you are in my thoughts, take care x

Bob Harvey said...

Well, that's a rough deal.
I know, and value, your photography and your blog, and the best I can do is wish you well. Oh, and [[[hugs]]].

Gerald (SK14) said...

All the best Richard. I've enjoyed your many contributions to Geograph over the years where you have a wonderful portfolio. Keep as strong as you can.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to read this post, which was raised in the Geograph discussion forums. In the darkest hours, hope is found in Jesus Christ. He promises eternal life as a free gift to those who believe in Him. May you receive the faith to believe, and know His peace at this time.

Unknown said...


I am very sorry to hear your news Richard I hope you respond to treatment and are in not too much pain.

Anonymous said...

Dear Richard,
I was so saddened reading your recent message.
A couple of years ago, you took time to reply to a teacher in Kent hoping to make a similar move. You were generous with your time and thank you for all your blogs, a real inspiration.
Wishing you the very best.