An 86-year-old Watford and District Synagogue member has launched a fundraising campaign by writing an online diary about his battle against kidney cancer.

“I want to show that you can live with cancer and also do something worthwhile,” says retired journalist David Davis, whose diary is, “dedicated to the doctors, nurses and support staff at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre who have been treating me for kidney cancer since November 2022”.

In David’s Cancer Diary, he records how he and his wife Beryl, 84, are coping. “Every day we live with tears, fears and lots of hope.”

The Bushey resident describes his emotions as he visits the Mount Vernon in Northwood, where doctors monitor the effect of his immunotherapy treatment, as well as dealing with the day-to-day impact.

“I am affected in many ways, physically, emotionally, and mentally. There are times when I have ‘brain fog’, and find it difficult to think clearly, or to concentrate. Muscle weakness and a lack of energy makes everyday tasks, even showering, difficult.

“Just watching football on TV is often too taxing and from time to time I have a negative mood change, which is really frightening for Beryl.”

Funds raised will go the Mount Vernon, a globally renowned medical facility with more than 500 members of staff, It is the highest international recruiter for renal cancer study.

justgiving.com/page/david-davis-mvcc