Life with cancer is still life

I had just composed myself after the 'One Love Manchester' concert where Ariana Grande (who I had never heard of before) comforted an emotional young member of the Parrs Wood High School choir. Then the latest ad from Macmillan Cancer Support sent me back into an emotional whirl.

Cancer advertising is really tricky to pull off. It's a perilous pursuit where the agency has to reflect the realities of cancer without causing alarm to the uninitiated. It's about being true to the experience of those with cancer, avoiding clichés and trite positivity without scaring the families who are watching their loved one suffer. In my view, Macmillan Cancer Support treads this delicate line beautifully.

For those of you who haven't seen the ad, it starts with a Dad reading his young daughter a bedtime story. Then, the scene cuts to a montage of the biting reality of cancer treatment - hour upon hour in a chemo ward with a variety of poisons being pumped into your veins, violent vomiting, constant worrying, tears and even despair. It's pretty tough going, even for people like myself who are on the other side of treatment and recovery. The line (cue lump in the throat) is: 'A Dad with cancer is still a Dad' supported by the strapline: 'Life with cancer is still life. We'll help you live it.' This is a powerful insight and strikingly expressed. Bravo Macmillan, you got this just right.

I have some experience of Macmillan. They produce a range of books and leaflets that are on display in the Cancer Centre, and I've read each one, cover to cover, whilst waiting to be seen by my oncologist. Tonally they're warm and engaging, and they're really useful, providing advice on everything from dealing with work and money through to coping with the changing dynamic of family relationships. They even supply a simple recipe book to help cancer sufferers to eat well according to their needs - building strength, losing weight, gaining weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They also offer the support of cancer nurses and counselling services.

Macmillan Cancer Support, an insightful and compelling campaign and a helpful service. Thank you.

Amanda