Sadly Katy passed away in 2008 at the age of 42. Katy found this a great help and we were all very grateful for the assistance it gave over the months that Andi came to see her. St Catherine’s arranged home visits with one of their counsellors at the time who came over once a week. Katy had to have more treatment at Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford and decided that she would like some counselling from St Catherine’s to help her get through the trauma. The cancer had spread to other parts of her body including her spine, brain and liver. It was a big blow, especially as we had a young son, Adam, who was around 10 at the time. She had undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy and unfortunately the cancer had returned a couple of years after we thought she was in remission. “Our first connection with St Catherine’s was when my first wife, Katy, was having treatment for her breast cancer. Here, Chris shares his story as to why he gives his time to St Catherine’s and his personal connection with the hospice: One of those volunteers is Chris, who has given his time to volunteer at the Midnight Walk for 10 years alongside his son, Adam. 'I need to call my dad.Our Midnight Walk returns to Horsham on Saturday 8 June and as ever, will be supported by a fantastic team of volunteers who will be working through the night to make the event the best it can be. Mark doesn’t answer at first, then he looks at me and smiles. Why don’t you live with your grandad in Manchester? Let your dad and Mel move to London and visit them in the holidays.' My dad on TV and the police and everything. Mark shakes his head, 'I didn’t want this. They’re going to search the forest tomorrow.' 'Mark, Mum says the police came to the farm this morning. I feel sorry for Mark, but I think of his dad crying on TV and feel sorry for him too. 'I know, but my grandad and my friends are in Manchester. 'But what will you do? You can’t live in the forest', I tell him. I took my tent and left in the middle of the night.' We both got angry and I told him I’m not moving to London. And then he told me that he and Mel want to get married and have a baby. The night I ran away, he came to my room and said that we’re all moving to London. 'He keeps telling me to make an effort with her, but I can’t. 'But, what about your dad? Have you talked to him?' She wants my dad for herself and isn’t interested in me. She’s not a bad person, but we don’t really connect. He was sad for a long time, but then he met someone new. Mark points to a fallen tree and we sit down. He looks shocked and asks, 'Did you say anything? Have you told them?' 'What do you know? How do you know my name?' I turn and there he is. 'Mark,' I shout again, 'I know about you.' If I’m not home soon, my parents will worry. I’ve looked everywhere but I can’t find Mark. What if he’s run away for a good reason? I have to talk to him first. If I tell Mum, the police will come and find Mark. Should I say something? Should I tell Mum? Then they show a photo of the missing boy. He’s crying and looks as if he hasn’t slept for days. There’s a man on TV sitting next to a policeman. Have you heard about this boy, Mark?' she asks. What’s your name?' I call, but he’s already gone. Are you OK to walk home? Do you need help?' 'I’m OK, I think,' I say slowly and the boy helps me up. 'Are you all right? That was a bad fall.' I look up and see the boy from yesterday. Then there’s someone there and a voice says, Suddenly, I’m slipping and falling and, before I know it, I’m lying on my back. As I’m coming through the forest, it starts raining hard, so I run. It’s cold and rainy today, so we’re going fast. I’m about to apologise to the boy, but he’s gone, disappeared between the trees. 'Benji, stop! Come here!' I call and reach into my pocket for his ball. The boy’s about my age and looks worried. I look up and see Benji jumping and running round a boy. A new Facebook photo? Maybe, but my friends already call me 'Nature Girl', so perhaps not. While Benji runs ahead, I stop and take a photo of a butterfly. I live on a farm with my parents and take Benji for a walk most days after school. Benji’s my dog, by the way, and I’m Grace. There are rabbits to run after and old leaves to smell. Going through the forest is my favourite part of the walk.
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