Book published in memory of popular Suffolk man tells his cancer story in order to provide strength to others

The wife of a popular Suffolk man, who passed away aged 29-years-old, has helped publish his online blog in a book to tell his story of living with cancer in order to give strength to others living with the disease.

Published by Fiona Ginn in January, Diary of a 20 Something Cancer Fighter: My Journey Through Cancer, is the diary of her husband Mike Ginn, a new father, a respected teacher at Hillside Primary School and a dedicated sportsman, familiar to many in the area.

From his diagnosis with leukaemia in July 2016, only three months after the birth of their daughter Hope, through to his death aged 29-years-old in 2017, under the care of St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich, the book details Mike’s reactions and thoughts, providing hard-hitting moments as well as humour and inspiration for readers.

“While he was in Ipswich Hospital, Mike found it therapeutic to write notes about how he was feeling and he soon came up with the idea of turning these into an online blog, which quickly became very popular, being read by over 10,000 people who were inspired and moved by his story,” explained Fiona, who is also a fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice.

“It is a real life diary which documents his experiences of receiving extensive chemotherapy treatment and how cancer impacted him and our family.

“Having worked as a fundraiser for St Elizabeth Hospice for a number of years I’ve seen the incredible support they provide to those in need. However, I never thought I’d see the day the hospice would be caring for my own husband.

“They were absolutely brilliant throughout Mike’s illness and I cannot thank them enough for the compassion they gave and the dignity they provided Mike with, as it was a huge weight lifted from me knowing he was receiving such fantastic care.”

As well as offering inspiration to others and raising awareness of support provided by hospices, such as St Elizabeth Hospice, the book also serves as a keepsake for Fiona and Mike’s daughter Hope, as was Mike’s wish, so she too will be able to read his story.

Fiona added: “I really hope people feel inspired by the courage Mike showed during a time of complete uncertainty for the future. By publishing his words, I am fulfilling a promise I made to Mike, as he was very keen his story would be used for good and inspire others for days and years ahead who may also be facing challenges.

“We were both keen to make others aware of the support out there and hopefully this book will go some way towards highlighting the help available, while also allowing Hope to read how strong and inspiring her dad was, and will continue to be, to all who know him and his story.”

To purchase Diary of a 20 Something Cancer Fighter: My Journey Through Cancer, visit www.amazon.co.uk/Diary-20-something-cancer-fighter-ebook/dp/B08TCK69WH.