Thought For The Day – Tuesday 4^th February 2025

The second picture above: The Princess of Wales, who is in remission from cancer,   shared a photograph taken by her six-year-old son, Prince Louis, on World Cancer Day,  with the following message: “Don’t forget to nurture all that lies beyond the disease.”

Today is World Cancer Day.

We think of all affected by cancer, and all who suffer, and have suffered, all illness, whose legacy of love continues to inspire us.

We deeply think who of:

those who have passed away, and are passing away, from this life because of cancer; 

those who have suffered cancer;                                                    

those who are suffering cancer;

those coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis;

those in remission from cancer;

all families affected by cancer;

and those who care, and have cared, for those with cancer.

We are there with those who suffer, holding their hand, actually, virtually or metaphorically, being with them in compassion, empathy, thoughts, words and actions.

For our care, presence and example, close or at a distance, and continuing in our lives their legacy of love profoundly (is all that) matters.

The theme of World Cancer Day 2025 is:  “United By Unique”.

Cancer affects many, though each person is unique, special, precious and priceless.

There are more than 200 variations of cancer. 1 in 2 people will be affected by cancer.  Someone receives a cancer diagnosis every 90 seconds in the U.K.

We think of all who treat, support, and care for, those who suffer from cancer, as well as those who research cancer.  In the last fifty years, survival rates have doubled. Around half of people diagnosed will live ten years or more.  But we very much think of, and fundraise and research in memory of, those who do not survive, and their families.

A very thoughtful interview, in a wonderful edition of the BBC’s “Songs of Praise” for World Cancer Day 2025, with a world-leading professor, and Christian, Professor Richard Gilbertson, who is leading research regarding cancer at the Cancer Research Institute at Cambridge University: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0kncxvd

In life, all we can do is:  do good; look after others and ourselves; treasuring the moments and memories we have, have had, and hopefully will have in the time(s) to come.

In recent times, six-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Chris Hoy, has spoken very movingly about his terminal cancer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002562v

As Sir Chris Hoy states:

“I know what the end result will be. Nobody lives forever. Our time on this planet is finite. Don’t waste your time worrying about stuff that isn’t that important. Focus on the things that are important, focus on your family, the people in your life. Do that thing that you’ve always planned to do one day, why not do it today.  My perspective on life has changed massively. I am more thankful, I’m more grateful for each day. It’s been a tough year and it’s going to be tough ahead in the future too but for now, right here right now, we’re doing pretty well.”

We treasure life and love, helping those in need,  keeping perspective, striving to avoid being distracted by what does not ultimately matter.

Each day, and person, is a precious gift.