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Ronny Allan
In 2014, Chris and I completed the 84-mile route of 2000 year old World Heritage site of ‘Hadrian’s Wall’ in Northern England. Some people saw this is a charity walk and a chance to make some money for a good cause. It was. However, it was MUCH MORE than that. Much much more.
A few months before this trek, I had come to a crossroads and I was unsure which direction to go. That anguish and a thousand other things were contributing to a degradation of my overall health, it felt threatening. I was not that long out of the main treatments for my metastatic Neuroendocrine Cancer and it was still a delicate period as I waited for signs of some stability.
I was getting into some old habits at work (e.g. working long hours) and in hindsight, I can now see that was impacting on my search for normality and stability. However, at the time, it conveniently aided the image of invincibility which was my way of saying “get lost Cancer”. I was reaching out for something I could call normal and for a long time before diagnosis, me working hard was normal! I had always loved a bit of stress but not if it was going to help Neuroendocrine Cancer kill me!
And then boom! – a thyroid lesion is reported. I suddenly realised I had too many balls in the air and I was no longer the expert juggler I was previously. The mask on my poker face was slipping and something needed to change. The thyroid lesion (more on that later) was not the turning point but it was definitely one of a number of signs that I was not invincible, my situation was delicate, and I needed to be more proactive on finding the normal I was so desperately seeking. Work was no longer the route I needed to take. To cut a long story short, I decided to retire early BUT, in an effort, to maintain personal challenges, I set myself some fitness targets which led to the Hadrian’s Wall walk over 6 days. I actually set up this blog site simply to document the walk and that was the only reason at the time.
Four years later, Lanreotide injections passed the 100 mark, my thyroid lesion is not causing any issues although I have been prescribed medication to support my borderline hypothyroidism, I have much less stress in my life and I’m fitter and leaner than I was at diagnosis. I found a new normal and I liked it! Maintaining and improving it continues to be a physical and mental challenge though.
My Hadrian’s Wall blog was an acorn which has now grown into a nice little Oak tree and I’m truly thankful to everyone for their fantastic support. There’s still plenty tree left to grow
In June 2019, the blog passed one million views, in 2022 it passed two million views; and I’ve setup my own online support group – the biggest one out there.
Some of my very early posts covered that walk (in fact it was the whole purpose of setting up the blog).
Day 1 – Newcastle
Day 2 – The wall is starting to show
Day 3 – The hilly bits (it was wet!)
Day 4 – More hills and more rain!
Day 5 – Downwards to Carlisle
Day 6 – Up to the Solway Firth – Scotland in view
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A cup of tea
I would also mention those who contributed to my “Tea Fund” which resides on PayPal. You don’t need a PayPal account as you can select a card but don’t forget to select the number of units first (i.e. 1 = £4, 2 = £8, 3 = £12, and so on), plus further on, tick a button to NOT create a PayPal account if you don’t need one. Clearly, if you have a PayPal account, the process is much simpler
Through your generosity, I am able to keep my sites running and provide various services for you. I have some ideas for 2023 but they are not detailed enough to make announcements yet.
This screenshot is from every single post on my website and depending on which machine you are using, it will either be top right of the post or at the bottom (my posts are often long, so scroll down!)
All I can say Ronny is ditto to everyone’s messages to you. You inspire us all. Thankyou
Ronnie, I woke up and this is the first thing I read. THANK YOU 😀 I needed something positive just now!!! 🙂 For me, getting up and down the hill on my property is an effort but I am going to renew my goal to get up and down the hill 2 times. 🙂 Thanks for inspiring me this morning. 🙂 To be honest, I had given up on that.
now you’re inspiring me! I was so inspired I posted about you and me!
Love your stories and reports. So much information for all us Nets people. Thank you Ronny keep walking and talking to us👏👏
“Still plenty of growth left to go” – love it. Go well, grow well.
Starting your blog to document your walk has helped and continues to help so many of us. Your are a real inspiration and support😃👍and long may it continue, keep walking😉🚶🏻
Love your blog, Ronny! You are inspiring to your fellow NET patients!
Ronny, I read ever word and hope I could handle things as well as you have with the support of your lovely wife Chris. Thinking of you always Jim.