Name: COLIN SMITH
| D.O.B: | 24th April 1957, age 55 yrs |
| Born: | Wimbledon Park |
| Occupation: | S/E General builder |
| Diagnosed: | GLIOBLASTA MULTIFORME |
| 05/08/2012: | after collapsing at work. |
| Treatment: | Chemo,Radiotherapy.Containment |
These are the stark facts – brutal and unalterable.
I’d like to put them into context, though, by giving a bit of background to show the story behind this particular statistic.
My wife Helen and I were childhood sweethearts and married when she was just 17 and I was only nineteen. Despite almost always having to struggle financially, we created a large and happy family for our five children. In 1996 our world came apart when our eldest son, Daniel, was killed in a road accident. The impact of his loss was enormous but eventually we learned how to live without him and our remaining four children grew up to have families of their own, and, because they all live locally, our ties are very close.
Helen and I felt that it was finally our chance to have a life together without the pressures of child-rearing. Life was good. We had a nice car, holidays abroad, we could eat out more or less when we wanted and, most importantly, I had a Chelsea season ticket! All this was possible because Helen had studied hard at University to become an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) and her eventual salary meant that I was the closest I would ever be to becoming a kept man!! What a shame I had to keep working too!
Then, one Saturday evening we sparked up the BBQ and had a couple of friends round, a fairly commonplace event. Very out of character though, I was in a really foul frame of mind. I had been moody for a couple of days, I could only describe it as a black cloud hanging over me. At the end of the evening Helen tore into me telling me to to snap out of it.
Well, I just broke down which again is totally out of character.
By Sunday morning the whole puzzling and unpleasant incident was forgotten, well, not until Helen had taken full blame [ha ha].
Back to work on Monday, I had the job of stripping a roof then knocking down a chimney from top to bottom with my son, Jamie. It was a hard week but by the Friday the end was in sight at last. Then, what I can only describe as a daft moment came over me. It was a feeling of complete light-headiness. I couldn’t judge distances, my feet seemed to be unable to work properly sending me rolling around from skip to skip, then finally it was as if an Alien was trying to burst out of my body. Looking back, I understand now that I was fitting. I’m so glad my son was with me , although all he did at the time was roll around laughing, saying “Stop it! Stop it Dad,” lt must have looked hilarious!
Eventually we realised how not normal this was, and, with great effort we got into the van and headed for hospital. On arrival I managed to open my door and…bang! Went straight out on the tarmac and started rolling towards the hospital. Jamie picked me up, literally, and headed to A and E. By now I was fitting again, looking like drunken Bambi.
From then on the wheelchair arrived, I was scanned, monitored and admitted. A few days later I was transferred in to QUEENS SQUARE LONDON and was given a surgical biopsy on 16/08/12.
The results, at the top of the page, were given to us after the weekend.
At this moment in time I am known as a six month survivor…….and counting!
We are trying to raise funds for HEADCASE Cancer Trust which is the only charity dedicated to give 100% of donations towards finding a cure for this inoperable brain cancer.
The Grandkids
Headcase Ironman 
I don’t know you Colin,but I know Helen ,and my heart goes out to the both of you,praying that you prove the doctors wrong,and love the way you have wrote your little story x
Thanks Debbie, it’s Helen here, I hope that you are ok and thank you so much for sharing the link , hopefully the research can give hope to other families in the future .xxx
Hi Colin
Your story is so so touching and has had me in tears as well as a little chuckle here and there 🙂 cheeky chappy that you are….bless ya xx
Obviously, I know you & Helen from our school days at Willian. Oh boy we could tell a few stories between us, I’m sure ha-ha.
Both Ken and I sooo wish you could beat this and if anyone can you can Colin.
I know we only see each other if we bump into each other in Tesco’s etc; but honestly, if you need any help or support we are here for you.
Helen has done fantastically well in her career and ‘I take my hat off’ to her. I enjoyed our chat and coffee when she kindly brought my ‘sick note’ round for me last July.
Take care my love, keep strong and keep fighting.
BIG HUGS to you all, love from both of us xxxx
Thank you for your continued support,hope allswell with you and familyxx
wishing you the absolute best of luck for the future. xx
Thank you Kim , and thank you for sharing the link x
Don’t know you Colin but worked with Helen. All my love to you and your family. Very touching story
so kind,xx,thank you,for kind wordsx
Hi Colin I have never met you but I bet Helen has. Moaned about me a few times to you x my heart goes out to you and your family and if I can do anything to help your fund raising let me know Jacky Gordon
hi Jacky thank you for your support,keep spreading the wordxx
Well written Colin, love you, Helen, Children and Grandchildren loads xXx
thank you Julia
So sorry to hear you have all been through this, god you think the big guy up there would give you a break. Wishing you all the best for the future x
hi Jane,hope your career is going well,thanks for your support,This is just another chapter in the crazy world ofColin /Helen smith.x
I have known Helen for a good few years but sadly she deserted our place of work for another! Very sad day as Helen’s personality lit up the work place! I have never had the pleasure of meeting you Colin but have had updates regarding your condition from those closer you & Helen. The blog must have been hard to write, but not as hard as what you & your family are going through. Hugs & wishes from Janine, Paul, Joel & Zoe xxx
Janine , you are being too nice!!thank you and many thanks for sharing the link xxx
Always make me laugh every time I see you. Your a legend just gutted you support Chelsea or you would be perfect xx
cheers ED,thank you for your support,when they bury me i will see if the last trophy you gooners won is down there!!
I just soooooo want to say how deep are you going to have to go !!!!!
hahaha you funny old boy i and always will be a true red (liverpool) not them dirty gooners. although you have made me laugh. and we are just as rubbish as them. do you remeber when you rang me up at half time in 2005 champions leauge final? and i rang you after the game to no response.
Hi Colin like others I’ve never met you but know Helen from working at the QEII, where she made stressful or dull days more bearable with her wicked sense of humour. I wish you and your lovely family all the best and lots of love and strength for your future xx
hi thank you for kind words and support
Colin smith you would do anything for a bit of publicity,but joking aside,I am so proud of you and Helen,and lucky enough to have had you both in my life for all these years,,we have shared all the ups and downs that life has brought us and will continue to do so,love you all soooo much xx
hey Rosy,me publicity? i havent just lost 36 stone,so i could finally get off that shelf,and trap my little man!ha ha.thank you for all your support over the years love colin
Helen & Colin, my heart goes out to you both and your family! Such a lovely, bubbly couple with hearts of gold! Will always remember Helen’s Come Dine With Me… The moment we all sat down for our delicious Fish Pie with no cutlery. Hehe!! And then once the drinks got flowing… Turns out, Colin had cooked the dish after all.. And wow!! Tastiest fish pie i’d ever eaten!! 🙂 x Colin, reading through your story, anyone and everyone can see how strong you and your family are with all you’ve been through. Stay strong and Take Care!! Thinking of you all!! Sam, (Simon & Bump) xxx
hi Sam,yes i remember it well we could donate the winnings to the charity ha ha.take care keep supporting
We are right behind you Colin. Helen has been a friend for years. Christine Amakye
You are a lovely lady , thanks Chris and many thanks for sharing the link xxxx
hello Christine Helen has often mentioned you,,all good,thank you forkind words and continued support
cant beleive this story colin , dont know you but im touched i know your son tommy , top boy ,i always got on with him, i dont know what to say ,my girlfreind has a bad illness, thinking of you all, i would really like to contact my mate tommy.x
Thanks arthur,and thanks for sharing the link, I will pass on your message to Tom x
Colin, I can still see you sitting round my garden table eating scrambled egg on toast and a cuppa. I loved having you here building my new room.I have yet to meet Helen, but feel like I already know her through Jane. Thinking of you all, with my love Christina xxx
blimey Christina when you said you could see me eating scrambled egg….etc ithought you ve either got good eyesight or ive moved on to otherside.Thanks Christina for support,love to all
Defineatly my eyesight!!!! Xxxxxxxxxx
Colin and Helen two of my favourite people in the whole wide world, your strength never ceases to amaze me and yes Colin your sense of humour has not left you ( you prove that by supporting Chelsea) Will do anything we can for the fundraising and for you , Helen and family love Lins and Bas x
thank you both so muchxx
How sad for you both it made me cry mt heart goes out to you both if i can help in any way please let me know x
Haha Tess , you know I am the strongest even with him taking steroids haha only jesting, thank you Tess and also thank you for sharing the link xxxx
Words fail me Colin, be strong mate. So sad to hear this awful news, Gez mentioned you weren’t well but I didn’t realise it was as serious as this. My thoughts & love go out to you & your family xxx
I still remember you nearly getting me a kicking when we went to watch Arsenal v Liverpool with Andy Toye up at Coventry & you shouted “why you cheering Liverpool when you’re an Arsenal supporter”. This was while we were standing amongst thousands of scousers, we had to climb over a wall to get out the ground as Arsenal won. Typical of your sense of humour, always have been a cheeky chappy 😉
HI tony i remember it well 3rd replay i think,when we got back to car it had been booted and dented ,yellow hillman avenger estate,company car..that:ll teach “em.
Hello Colin, my names Nick, I work with your wife Helen. We don’t know each other particularly well, all the same she’s a good laugh and makes me smile.
I’ve read your story tonight, and shared the link encouraging others to do like wise.
I have had a few battles in life, literal and otherwise. I know what it takes to try to find the strength to fight and not give in. The battle you have far eclipses anything I’ve ever experienced by a mile! I admire your courage and strength in the face of this cruel episode in your life.
I don’t know you, but I do know enough to care my friend. You have my email address, if there is anything more that I can do for you and yours, please get in touch and I will do what I can.
Take care Colin, and thank you for sharing your story. Kindest regards, Nick Baker.
hi Nick,nice to hear from you,and kind words of support.
Hi Nick,thank you for kind words,and support
hi colin mate im up late reading this and i cant go to bed now,its a wonderful letter u have written,u r right at our age it is nice to relax a bit more as the kids have their own lives,but as im finding more and more each day life is very harsh.ive tried to b happy go lucky just like u mate,life is series enough,i really enjoyed talking to u and lovely helen the other day.i just like to say mate that ive always loved u and helen.u have always made me happy when ever ive seen u both,u have been great parents.ur children have always respected me,credit to u both.everyone i know think the world of u two,u r a tough boy which i admire u for,ill c u both soon.love u both.antonio [eric] and dawn xx
thank you Eric,so kind words and yes great to see you and Dawn over xmas,thank you for support
colin its Gill Taylor nee dear (you used to go around with my brother steve in your teenage years)He like me and my husband martin Taylor will be very sad to read this ,i do not know helen really but i know what a wonderful family you both created together and they will keep you strong and hopefully prove those docters wrong!At times like this you realise how important family are and you two have made a fantastic one,Thinking of you all and keep strong ,you do know you are a bit of a legend in Letchworth dont you colin!!!Love Gill and steve dear and families xxxxxxxx
thank you for the kind words of support,xx
hi Gill,yes iremember you now andSteve,cant place Martin though,Steve went in army and lived in germany i think,how are you all ,well i hope?
yes colin all good ,Steve still in Germany and myself and martin (he was in the army too for 10 years!!)now living in New Zealand for the past 7 years .We have 3 girls and 2 girl dogs aswell …..poor Martin!!!keep fighting the good fight Colin ,all got faith in you XXXXXGill
PS Martin is older brother of Marie Taylor(now Hargreaves)I think you know Steve and Marie XX
Hi Both
Wishing you all the luck in the world with this fight, you were the best neighbours we ever had in norton crescent, everything was always such good fun when you guys were around.
Agh the good ole days!! Thank you Irean and thank you for sharing the link honey xxx
Hi Irene,yes we did have a blast,good old days,hope allswell with you and yours and extended family, thankyou for support in the latest chapter of our lifexx
HI colin,i don’t know you very well but my husband Dave does,Helen was a good mate of mine at school though,we lost touch as so many people do.My heart goes out to you,Helen & your family & would like to wish you much strength & love. I’ll never understand why bad things happen to good people. I will be following your blog. x
Dear Colin & Helen have known u since b4 I was born 😉 strange I know lol. My love & admiration to u both. U r both rocks to eachother. Love to all ur family xxx
Thank you Tara so very much , and also thank you for sharing the link xxxx
thanks Tara,for your words and support x
Hi Colin, you have worded your story so beautifully. Its yours and Helens marriage that I aspire to. Your strength over the past months has been amazing. Helen has been there for me many times over the last 8 yrs, and I would do anything for her. If there is anything we can do to help, please let me know. Lots of love to you both. Dor and Chris xx
Aw Dor and Chris, all I can say is thank you so very much and also thank you for sharing the link . Xxxxxx
Hi Colin/Helen,
Becky, Ellie’s sister here. I’ve shared your story on my Facebook. Such a sad thing to happen but lets hope lots and lots of money is raised from this.
I remember Ellie telling me about this. She was distraught.
Big love to you both and all your family.
❤ xxx
Thank so much Becky, have been with Ellie today, also again thank you for sharing the link xxxxxx
Hi Becky,thank you for sharing and kind words/support
You’re a strong woman helen but Collin is stronger than you but hats of to both of you wish you all the best for this good journey
Haha Tess , you know that I am stronger even with Colin on steroids!!haha only jesting Tess , thank you so much and also thank you for sharing the link xxx
Helen this link is so touching, Colins story is such a beautiful one x. I have shared this link on twitter & facebook & sincerley hope it generates a huge interest & together we can improve outcomes for individuasl affected, their loved ones & pour massive amounts of resources/research into such a terrible illness xx
Sheena, that is just what we hope to achieve, thank you very much for your kind words and also for tweeting and sharing the link xxxx
thank you Sheena,for support and kind words xx
so touching so sad so real but your strength is so inspiring xxxxxxx
Thanks Jackie, and also thank you for sharing xxxx
hi Jackie thanks for your,support,maybe you could do a weekly/radio slot on the progress of the charity / fund haha xx
Sorry to hear the sad news of your illness Colin, it’s been a long time since I have seen you both, but my thoughts are with you & your family x
Thanks so much Michelle, and again thank you for sharing the link , xxxx
Your one brave man Colin and you are truly blessed with a loving family , keep fighting thus worthy cause . Your strength determination and sense of humour I’m sure gets you all through this x
Hi Angela , he truly is , he never pulls the poor me card and is always bright and optimistic , thank you for sharing the link xx
hi Angela,kind words,thank you for your support xx
I would like to say something but there is truly nothing I could write to describe the sadness at your news Colin nor would it be able to do you justice, having known your family since secondary school hanging out with Jim Daniel and tommy, knowing Shelley and Charlie since they were little I can’t imagine there is anything I could say that could describe how sorry I am for your situation and and how so undeserved it truly is!!! I know how much love there is for you Colin and family x
Hi David what nice words and ,thank you for your support
You have both taught me so much over the last few months without even realising. I love you dearly and will only be a phone call away whenever you need me xxx
……On another note who’d have thought you’d ever have an Internet thread going Helen!?!. You’re starting to crack this technology milarky.
Oh such kind words Karen, thank you and I must fess up this Internet malarkey had nowt to do with me !! Shocking as that might seem it was Mr Iron man himself Tony and his lovely handsome son Dan !! Haha xxxx
Thank you so much Karen for your continued support,even when you had your own ,worries,and fears going on xx
Oh Colin I really don’t know what to say. I had no idea that you were ill such sad news, however such lovely words. I have not been in touch with Helen since the summer, don’t know where the time goes. No one mentioned to me that you had been ill. May God bless you both and all the family my thoughts and prayers are with you all. This really has shocked me no one deserves this cruel blow xoxoxoxoxo
hi Nuala, thank you for kind words and support xx
Just brought a tear to my eye Colin. I just wanna say how brave u r and how u r always the life and soul of a good piss take at football – even if it is aimed at dad haha! You truly are one of the nicest blokes I’ve met (although sometimes you are a bit if a c**k lol) I bet this was really hard to write but I think you’ve done a fantastic job of sharing your story with friends/family and strangers. Very proud of you. Love to you and Helen.
Xxx
thanks for your kind words becks,yes we do have a giggle,after your dads latest exploits with the phone,i think he is going for Cock of the year ha ha x
I saw your link on my friend nualas page. my dad is now a 3 month survivor and has just started his full dose chemo. between him, my mum, my sister and both our families we are getting through it and are determined to be the long term survivors, like those in the stories we read often that give us all hope! my dad is the same age as you, and he lives in spain, he is determined to take my 1 year old son out for his first pint, and we see no reason to tjink any other way. take care and i will be looking forward to your updates x
Hi Jacqui,request to be my friend on face book and I will private message you to various links that can give you advice and help to the many aspects of this diagnosis, you may not want to know, and that’s fine too, I just know that it’s a roller coaster of symtoms that change on a daily basis, I feel so sorry that your Dad and his family have to deal with this, here is to your son having his first pint with his Grandfather… Cheers xx
Colin, I have never met you but worked with the lovely Helen years ago and now we work together again.
Your story is very touching and an inspiration to everyone, thank you for sharing it.
From stories that Helen tells which are always very amusing, you have the most wonderful loving family and throughout the ups and downs you will all be strong for each other.
Sending love to you all,
Debbie xxxxx
Aww Debbie, thanks for the lovely comment,and thank you for your support xxxx
hi Debbie thanks for your kind words and support x
Hi Colin and Helen I’m so sorry to hear about your sad news.. It’s such a shock! It feels like yesterday that we was on hols with u.. Such a amazin family that we all were very fond of.. Even Alanna callin u grandad! I wish u all the most luck in the world and wil be thinkin of u all.. I will share your link! It’s a lovely blog you’ve wrote and very brave. Lots of love to u all xxxx
Thank you Jenny,your right it only seems like yesterday, how times fly especially good times , xxxxx
hi Jenny,sorry taken so long to reply, slow computer,yes we did have a great time on hols. thank you for sharing,the link and support,love to you andyour family and give Alana a great big kiss from “grandad”.
Colin and Helen, you are a wonderful couple with a great family, you have dealt with tragedy and stayed strong, now you need to do it again. You have the support of so many people that love you both, hope their strength gives you strength to keep going for as long as possible and hopefully see better treatment for this awful cancer.
Lots of love to you both
Bod, Michelle, Isobel & Ellie xxx
Many thanks Michelle,and I would also add that your girls are so cute, you and Bod must be very proud xxxxxx
What, are you going to do, with your Season Ticket?
just fell out of the pub?dutch courage? bought it down engine with me,today,i will make sure im around to let you make me an offer i cant refuse,then i will donate it to this excellent charity
Good luck col, one of the funniest blokes i’ve met in baldock!
Hi Billy,surely The Funniest, thank you for the kind words and support,hope alls well with you and familyx
Familyy all good, I remember yuo in the lion with a sombrero styley hat and a guitar, I was in tears as you serenaded the pub! Funny as fuck….
I can not put into words how much you mean to me, I can not put into words what an amazing, dad and grandad you are and how much I love you!, I am so so so proud of you dad. With out your funny(/sick) sense of humour, great spirit and determination I’m sure we would have all given up hope! You are doing such an amazing thing and given us all hope that there can be a cure with a little help from everyone to raise money for the research needed to find a cure! Please, please everyone donate something big or little (as every penny helps) by clicking on the ‘sponsor me tab’ at the top of the right hand page!!!!! Dad I love you and I will do everything I can to raise money for the charity and thank you so much for those who have already donated !
We are both so very proud of you too Charlie,we lboth ove you and your little family very dearly xxxxxx
Hi darling,you make me cry,without your determination and harrasment of C.F.C. we would be nowhere,xxxx
hi colin and helen, it has been a long time since our boys mark and jamie played football together and we all stood on the touchline freezing our butts off but you like us never missed a match, no one should be going through this especially a wonderful family like yours our love and prayers are sent to you and we will be finding ways to raise money for this awful cancer just like we did at icknield. if there is anything you need please let us know. we know the courage you have shown since daniel died so if anyone can beat this you can. stay strong love always pam and joe marshall
hi Pam and Joe thank you for your comments and support where do the years go? hope all is well with you and your family love always colin and helen xx
To Colin and Debbie. Colin we know each other.i used to live in Hopewell rd no.25.I am one of Stuart Nicholsons good friends .plus friends with Robbie and woofa.I am so sorry to hear this.i remember going to chelsea with mick shinkins.jonny pepper and stuart eons ago .im sure you went.you are a strong character.stay strong and beat this.
hi Richard,my brain is not registering you at moment,it will come to me,yes i was in Mick shinkins,pepper and wurlys ICF [of [paperboys],from JACK MANS PLACE around 1ate 60s early 70s also Martin Horne,Hornet,KELLY,thanks for kind words and support x
Hello, I don’t know you and you’ve probably never heard of me. I’ve come across this page through my sister Ellie Bartlett. After reading your story, it’s crazy to even begin to imagine how tough you’ve had it. However, it also shows how incredibly strong you are. Your mentality is immensely admirable! I wish you all the best, head up and stay strong. RIP Daniel.
From Mark. x
Thank you Mark, and thank you for remembering Daniel,xx
hi Mark,thankyou for your support and kind wordsxx
Hi, helen and colin, Im Charlies friend Racheal. Im so sorry to hear of this and can totally understand what you are all going through. My 21 year old sister has been battling ewings sarcoma bone cancer for 3 years and has recently had her leg and pelvis amputated only to be told on news years day that the cancer is back and terminal, we are sure of times frames but are trying to make the most of whatever time we have left. I know how hard these times are on families but I also know that you like us are a close family and with each others support will get through it and make the best of times together My love and thoughts go to all you, racheal and family x
Hi Racheal,im so sorry to hear about your sister,life is so cruel at times,wishing her and your family all the best in the battles ahead xx
i have never met you in person colin, but feel i know you well through helen. i have known helen for a very long time and i admire you all as a loving family..
you are an inspiration to everyone, stay strong, everyones thinking of you all..
love and best wishes karen c xxxx
Hi Karen, I keep trying to reply but is not working for some reason, but just truly appreciate your very kind comments, I know that you also have had your crosses to bear so it means even more that you have taken the time and thought to comment xxxx
True inspiration Colin. You have a great family keep fighting xx
hi Angela thank you for your support and kind words xx
hi colin, rennie here keep smiling mate will see you at the next match
hi Steve,thanks for your continued support x