Image: With Drewe & Gillian together at the launch of the Rotary Big Space Cancer Appeal at Swinhay Oct 2024

As you know from this website, Rotary District 1100 is right behind the fight against cancer, especially through its support of the ‘Big Space Cancer Appeal’ for our Region.

What you might not know is that our Governor Drewe Lacey, along with many of our members, friends and family have had personal encounters with cancer of one form of another.

That shouldn’t surprise us though as 50% of the population will unfortunately be diagnosed with one form of cancer during their lifetime.

Yesterday, on ‘World Cancer Day‘ Drewe emailed Gillian Hayward – President of The Rotary Club of Cotswold Tyndale (who has also had encounters with cancer) with the following message:

This morning I turned to a book of poems, given to me at Christmas, 366 for every day this year. I find that today is World Cancer day with advice and a poem ‘I hate you
Cancer’. This is my poem to balance the equation.

THANKYOU, MY CANCER

For reminding me that as one mere mortal I am swallowed up by the mass of my
peer group, the hundreds of thousands suffering and tens of thousands dying

For the great strength that the acceptance of my vulnerability gives me, in being
open to others, to share experiences and receive help with grace

For the focus on the essence of this life in my relationships with family and friends,
in giving more than receiving

For the reinforcement of my knowledge of the meaning of longevity,
to bless every living moment, to make my time count

For the snowdrops, the wild violets, the early daffs, the changing skies,
the expectant spring

For the opportunity of embracing my humanity and sharing all that I have,
I have learnt, and all that humanity means with others around me

For those joyful moments of being happy and communicating happiness
For every awakening.

Drewe Lacey 4 th February 2025.
At 6-00am as I look out into that pre-dawn blackness

So very poignant that poem was that, with both Gillian’s and Drewe’s permission we have pleasure in sharing it with you for your enjoyment and inspiration.