Dedication

I would like to dedicate this book to all the people who gave me hope when there was precious little else to cling to, in particular my parents, my sister Mary, her husband Richard and their two children Nicky and Emma; the doctors, nurses and staff of the Royal Marsden Hospital; Josh Gifford and his team of owners; Burly Cocks - and, of course, Aldaniti.

Bob Champion

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Acknowledgements

This book could not have been completed without the kindness and encouragement of those closest to Bob Champion during his long illness and recovery. In particular I would like to thank Richard and Mary Hussey, who were unfailingly helpful; Josh and Althea Gifford who, typically, played down their vital role in this story. Carol and Jenny, two of the nurses from the Pinkham Ward, provided invaluable assistance and helped to clarify and check the considerable medical detail; and the guidance and support of Dr Jane Merrow, too, was much appreciated.

I would also like to thank Colm Farren and Pip Pocock for their generous assistance, and the lovely Sarah Reeves for transforming the original manuscript into immaculate order.

For reasons of medical ethics the name of Bob's doctor has been changed to Dr Jane Merrow.

Jonathan Powell