Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
This afternoon I will spend three hours in situ at a local store in possession of a large bucket in my right hand (or maybe my left... I've not decided yet). The objective of this marathon receptacle hold to collect donations for MacMillan Cancer Support. That being said, if the store roof where I'm volunteering isn't sufficiently robust, following the rainstorm... Continue Reading →
This afternoon I plan my first barbeque of the year. Nothing flash, just a piece of marinated chicken each accompanied by salad, potatoes and sides. I can list the sides as well, but I suspect you’re as disinterested in knowing those accoutrements as finding out I’m planning a barbeque. Yesterday, I undertook some voluntary work collecting... Continue Reading →
It's Tuesday 28th March and I’m currently sitting with my missus at a Leeds oncology unit, awaiting her four weekly treatment. As I perch uncomfortable on a blue fake leather sofa, my eyes are drawn to three doors opposite. Adjacent to the matt grey doorways, signage kindly informs anyone who’s interested that this trio of portals lead to... Continue Reading →
This morning I spent three hours stood in a local store with a MacMillan Cancer Support collection bucket. My first voluntary work of 2017 took place standing just inside the entrance door of catalogue retailer Argos, in a nearby retail park. As with previous charitable collections I'd undertaken, it was heartwarming to witness the generosity of the... Continue Reading →
Well this time next week the fat bloke dressed in red will have distributed his presents and now be troughing on a hearty five course Christmas dinner........ But enough already about the profligate Christmas Day goings on in footballer Wayne Rooney’s family home! I spent a couple of hours at lunchtime today in a store at... Continue Reading →
Yesterday evening I attended the inaugural action group meeting of MacMillan’s Leeds fundraising section. During an informal overview in the setting of a city centre hotel conference room, the Leeds fundraising manager initially reminded the team of the vast array of MacMillan support and services at the disposal of cancer sufferers and their families. Six years into my wife's cancer journey, I... Continue Reading →
It's the World’s Greatest Coffee Morning event today. Up and down this sceptre isle, hundreds of thousands of the populous will be slurping hot caffeine infused drinks (unless you have de-caffeinated), in addition to troughing on vast quantities of cakes and biscuits. All with the common charitable goal of raising millions of pounds for MacMillan... Continue Reading →
Hospital visits a plenty this week for my significant other. Yesterday saw her undergo a blood test; while today we shall spend an hour or so, on the hottest September day in the UK for 50 years, bathing in the strip lighting glow of an oncology unit waiting room. The strip lights are far less of a skin... Continue Reading →
There is a paucity of good cheer in chez Strachan at the moment. Uncertainty in many aspects of Karen’s and my life all currently contribute to a melting pot of uneasiness; causing self-doubt and the taunting our minds. Focussing on things we can change has to be our priority. However, a combination of concerns creates... Continue Reading →