Anita and John, and Wye trip.

31/8/2013 A fabulous day paddling down the Wye with Luke, Jerry and William. The sun shone all day, the water was black in the shadows. Flocks of swans and Canada geese kept us company on and off all day.

Thanks to John and Anita for coming down and spending the day with Chris, they spent a relaxing day in the garden and went for a light meal at the Twelve Bells we had lovely home cooked Moroccan Lamb for tea.

Their love gives us strength.

30/8/2013 Loz visited Chris

William's lodgings

27/8/2013 In the afternoon Chris and myself went for a drive to Witcombe Wood, parked the car and walked the short distance to sit by a gate overlooking Hazel Hanger Wood. The ground had just been ploughed and was very dry.

26/8/2013 We all popped down to Bath to see the house in readiness for next term. The builders were in and repairing items that needed putting right before the lads move in.  Chris did fantastically well to come with us but is now exhausted. Chris wants to do everything she can for her boy and said 'I must see his flat I'm his mum'

Trek fest

24/8/2013 In the evening William, Chris and me drove up to Leckhampton Hill to watch the sun set as we sat in the car together and talked about what was happening.

23/8/2013  Jerry joined the Turtinos for an all Trek bike ride over Leckhampton. A very enjoyable and much needed break.  Cycling when you are exhausted is hard but exercise is needed to recharge the mind and body.  Thanks to Jerry and Will. 

19/8/2013 My first day of sick leave.

From April 2013 to October 2013 it was relentless, with visits to Oncology, our Doctors Surgery, home visits by Doctors and District Nurses, meeting oncology specialist key workers and counsellors.  All these people were here to help Chris and gave their time freely and were always patient and understanding and desperately tried to make Christine's journey a easy as possible.

Christine's mental health declined steadily over the months as Chemo stripped Chris of her ability to read - incredibly hard for Chris to bear.  I tried to be with Chris as much as I could and spent very little time at work. The pressure on us increased daily and I reached breaking point in mid August - another week at work and I would have been of no use to Christine.  Thankfully this was recognised and I was signed off work.  I would have done anything to make Chris's life easier but was beginning to loose my self control and asked for help from my doctor - she was great and started a programme of mental and physical support for Christine and myself.  Our doctors never left our side and supported us both all the way.

Lecky

The Turtino boys had a quick spin over Lecky on the bikes. On the way back dad tried to shake off his son but Turtino the younger overtook Turtino senior 300 yards from home.

Cycle ride

Yesterday had a spin on the bike with Jerry - up through Cranham Woods to Coberley and back home. A great afternoon.  William stayed with his mum.