Wednesday 8 December 2010

Where it all begins...

So it seems that I've finally got to put my money where my mouth is and actually start organising my Mont Blanc climb for next year. What had started off as an idle thought had then been put down on my media 'biography', and subsequently picked up on by a presenter on a live radio interview as a key talking point. A thought as a possible 'objective' for next year had now had to take some form of reality, otherwise I'm just talking a lot of hot air! Which is never the case, despite public opinion on this matter.

Mont Blanc at Sunset, copyright RPM Guides

The issue of targets and objectives is an interesting one, because in my own way of dealing with the dreaded C word – cancer that is, not the C word used by James Naughtie on Today this week – I personally find that it helps me to put order back into my life, by establishing aims that I can work towards. The idea of a linear future and a long-term plan (marriage, family, old age, grand-children) is suddenly all taken away. Nothing seems real, guaranteed. There is only one guarantee, which there is for anyone, but for me that seems somewhat nearer than for most people. So, the establishment of a given target seems the best thing that I can do – two fingers to cancer. I will be here, this is my life, you cannot take it away – yet. I will carry on trying to do the things that I love, you cannot take me away from the people that I love – yet.

The phrase “Every day a mountain” came about because to me it's a personal metaphor for what it's like living with cancer: the ups and downs, the bigger picture, trying to get through every day and remain positive – even when the slightest ache and pain makes me feel that the cancer is getting one up on me. So please read on and let me know what you think, it's not just a blog about one man trying to get to the top of a mountain: It's about how cancer strips away the flesh, but not the spirit.

7 comments:

  1. Good luck my friend, you have my full support, love to get involved or climb up with you!

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  2. Everyone should read your article. It is inspiring. Good luck with your future. You are a truly remarkable man.

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  3. Thank you for the last comment, I do appreciate the sentiment. Although I don't see myself as remarkable, just a man trying to stay alive – which is a big difference. As the idea for a future topic I'm going to be talking about my 'heroes' from the world of climbing, those that fought cancer bravely - some lost the battle quickly, some longer. But the dignity that people show in the face of such situations is something that I think we can all draw inspiration from...

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  4. Susanne here. I hope you will keep writing this blog and that you will climb Mount Blanc. You are articulate and thoughtful and people need to hear what you say. Cancer will not destroy the spirit - that is an essential and hopeful message. Keep on keeping on. And the photos are marvelous! Love and hugs from Alaska.

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  5. Very touching blog Jonathan. I agree that there is a lot to be learnt here. Good luck with the Mountain climb and your ongoing battle; you know that you have the full support of the Haselton family every step of the way.

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  6. A truly wonderful read, by a kind, loveable, articulate man..who certainly doesn't talk 'hot air' - We will be following, supporting and urging you on throughout your journey. Your spirit is strong and there ain't no mountain high enough. Love & light - T & family xxx

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  7. Hi Jonathan,
    Came across your blog which Richard Norse Evans re posted on Facebook, good luck with your climb, you really are an inspiration, I'll be keeping an eye on your blog.

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