One incredible Septuagenarian and his lust for life

There's something about Tony I neglected to mention. And for me, it's kind of an important part of who he is...

See, I knew who Cousin Tony was when Fantastic Uncle Steve mentioned him. But not for the travelling around the world in a campervan (I actually had no idea Tony did that!). I knew Cousin Tony because he's that one of dad's cousins who is (was?) terminally ill.

In true inquisitive Stace style, when I went to Tony's house for the first time to discuss these Russia plans, I wanted to understand. I coyly (OK - for those who know me, maybe not so coyly!) asked Tony and Teresa what the situation was. They very openly, very calmly, and very matter-of-factly went on to explain Tony's unbelievable story...

10 years ago, Tony was diagnosed with lung cancer. Plans were being put in place to remove his lung when he had a bit of an incident on some scaffolding: Tony was busy working on a roof, humming away when, all of a sudden, there was a disconnect between his brain and his body. His hands had seized, gripping onto the scaffolding (thankfully!), and he told me how he distinctly remembers not being able to stop humming(?!). Tony told me that, in his head, he was thinking "What the four and a half is going on?! Something isn't right... Get down! Go get help! Stop humming(!)." But Tony's limbs didn't respond to any of the signals his brain was trying to send.

I can't remember the details of how he managed to get down safely but I do remember that, following this incident, Cousin Tony was seen by doctors for further examinations. That was when the doctors explained that the cancer had spread and they had found a brain tumour. Tony was given months to live.

10 years later and Tony is more than alive and kicking, sitting in his dining room with me, supping coffee after coffee, explaining that the marks on his head are from the screws that held his head in place whilst his brain was lasered. Just fascinating. Mind-blowing. Truly unbelievable.

So, here he is, this miracle of a man (who has acquired another two brain tumours since), setting out for the trip of a lifetime (another one!). Across Russia. In a campervan. A 22-year-old canpervan. That's already been around the world once. That has a huge union jack on the side. (That isn't magnetic and that can't be removed all that easily...) What a guy!

Discreet, right?!

(Tony tells me the van hasn't yet got a name - I'll look into running a poll! ;))

I wanted readers of this blog to know all of this about Tony (with his permission, of course) because his tranquil aura and unwavering positive attitude in the face of adversity are off the chart, and qualities that will no doubt be drawn on in abundance for this trip! As far as campervan mates go (for several weeks, in a very, very foreign country!), I've come up trumps! :-D

I'm really looking forward to learning from Tony and hearing more about his unbelievable 71 years on this planet and hope that you all are too. (He's the septuagenarian, by the way, in case you were wondering :)).