This speech was given by Graeme at the party we had for him at Stockton Cricket Club in May 2005 to celebrate the end of his radiotherapy treatment

First of all, I would just like to thank everybody for coming tonight. I know there's nothing on the telly so the decision was not difficult but it still means a lot to me for you all to come. What only a few of you know; is that I walked here by myself tonight, but nobody knows is that I set off at midday to make it on time.

The last few months have been a bit of a blur to be honest. One moment, I was planning to go to climb Everest, the next I was having operations on my brain.

I would just like to take this chance to thank a everybody for their support and kindness during this time. Extra Special thanks especially to my Mam and Dad who have been brilliant throughout the entire thing, even though I am sure they have not always felt that way. Special thanks to my sister Rachel who has been up from London nearly every weekend even though she has her high powered lawyer job to contend with as well.


Particular Thanks go to James, Jo, Jon, Sara, Andy and Sarah, who have been beyond brilliant over the last few months and I really couldn’t ask for a better set of friends. Much thanks to Ged who took over the running of the hockey team in my absence and did a much better job than I did ensuring we stayed in the division for next season! In the same vain, thanks to Dave for looking after the 5 -a-team and organising that for the last few months.

Also, thanks to everybody who has supported the Team Graeme wristband appeal as we have raised a tidy amount of money for cancer research. Speaking of which, can we have a big hand for Mr Jake Hannah who recently completed the Lands end to John o Groats bike ride raising over a 1000 pounds for cancer research and a local hospice.

Also a big round of applause for the women in the room who are doing the race for life.

Once again, I would like to say thank you to each and everyone of you for coming here tonight and for the amazing support you have given me and my family!

It has not been the easiest 4 months of my life, that was the my first term at university, but without everybody here, I know it would have been a lot worse!

There have been a couple of set backs such as on Wednesday when I had a seizure in the Metro Centre but due to the amazing support I had, this was not as much of a problem as it could have been. Wednesday’s episode was a bit of a shock as I had been doing so well and due to that we have had to cancel the New York trip we had booked way back in January. Nevermind there is always next year, I let myself be signed up for the Great North Run so expect begging letters over the summer asking for sponsorship for that.

Finally, I would like to say thank you again to everybody who has sent a card, flowers, alcohol, or any other gift to me or my family, simply too many to mention.

And please eat the food as you can tell, I do not need it. The steroids took care of that!