Adebayor's started so well for Man City
Adrian Sudbury and his leukemia
Hi..I received an email (along with several others) from Adrian on Saturday evening to say that his health is deteriorating rapidly. The doctors say he has, as he puts it, "a couple of weeks max". He explained the arrangements for his funerals. One will be a private do for family and friends and no media, the other at Sheffield Cathedral for everyone - women in colourful dresses, men in sharp suits and bright ties...in the spirit of celebration. He signed off with "Best wishes to you all".
Initially I was taken aback when I read it. It was so matter-of-fact. After reading it many more times I then felt incredibly sad.
A couple of weeks ago his editor at the Huddersfield Examiner where he worked asked if I would write something for a book they're putting together on Adrian and his blog. Here's a bit of what I wrote:
'Five Live listeners don't suffer fools; they are some of the most critical people I've come across. They're also some of the most compassionate and selfless people I've ever had the privilege of getting to know. They adore Adrian Sudbury - and it's not because he's dying. If I had to analyse why I'd say it's because he's normal. In my family being described as 'normal' is one of the greatest compliments you can bestow. Adrian's frank, pragmatic, patient, lacking in self pity - and living through abnormal times. Our listeners heard him explain his illness, his setbacks, and his mission to ensure a talk on bone marrow, organ and blood donation was included in the national curriculum. They spontaneously rang in to support him, to give him their love and ask how they could help. He told them about his blog, his online petition and how they could sign up to the register. They wanted to tell him he is inspirational and wish him all the best. A man called Jeff 'phoned in from Southampton, a Portsmouth supporter, and offered Adrian his FA cup final ticket - in case he'd never been and wanted to experience it just once. (Adrian was taken aback by the kindness but said Jeff should go; Portsmouth won). Others offered to sign the petition, more said they would register as a donor - it was a "no brainer". '
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