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A bit of a tough one to write this as Merlinman (Rob) is a good friend who I’ve known for around 23 years now thanks to this very forum.
Rob has been receiving on going investigations and treatments follow prostate problems which started a few years ago. He contacted me last night with the very sad news that unfortunately cancer has now spread into his kidneys and pelvis, that there is no effective treatment for this. He is now starting palliative care with his wife supporting him and McMillian with them.
Rob is genuinely one of life’s nice guys, a gentleman, a story teller, a reliable friend to talk to and who will help where he can. I’ve had many a gathering with him, a catchup in a pub or as recently over the phone where his voice and wisdom has supported me over the last few months.
Can we all join in a round of F… Cancer!
Tonight I will raise a glass to my friend.
F@@# you cancer!
I'll raise a glass tonight. Thoughts with Rob and his family.
ffs.
Shit news. Thoughts with Rob and his family and friends.
**** cancer indeed.
Thoughts with Rob.
Double f##k cancer.
Rob, sending you some love from the Shire.
Yes **** it. Not literally, that might be painful. Love to Rob and his nearest and dearest.
**** cancer indeed. Have spent some wonderful times with him over the years.
Heartbreaking news.
We've just lost someone this week to very similar circumstances as you've written. Pete was a best friend to everyone he knew, great company, sense of adventure, a total gentleman and committed family man. Taken by the big C far too early with a lot of life left to live.
F... Cancer indeed.
EDIT: I hesitated whether to add this, but I'd signed up for a Race for Life next weekend which is now all the more apt. It could be an emotional one.
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/jamess-race-for-life-32746859237
Sorry to hear this **** cancer indeed!
Very sad. **** cancer!
F*** Cancer! Thoughts with Rob and his family.
I had prostate cancer a couple of years ago but had a prostatecomy before it metastasized, and I was only diagnosed by accident as I had no symptoms and it only came to light as part of another medical intervention.
A good friend who normally lives in France was staying with me a couple of weeks ago and was complaining of severe pain in her side. Fortunately she was still registered with her GP and after a couple of tests was sent to local oncology centre where secondary bone cancer was diagnosed - she has had breast cancer twice before - and is now at the Royal Marsden having a stomach drain and trying to find the primary cancer.
Please sign the petition for prostate screening - https://www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/prostate-cancer-screening-petition/
Another big **** cancer here too.
Never met the guy, but thoughts & best wishes with him and his family
**** cancer indeed - good news around melanoma vaccine trials today so your race-for-life money is well spent, @jimmy. Donated in honour of Rob and those STWers who've gone before him
Rob was really kind to me when I started hanging around the forum as a kid. He was friendly, generous and his teasing was always light hearted. He was always a positive force on the forum. Thanks for the update Drac - it's really sad news.
Thanks @Scaredypants
I went to a session with CRUK where they talked about the work they do. It was genuinely fascinating - by an ex-research scientist who now spreads the word for CRUK. Helped that he was funny and able to articulate to amazing research work in a relatable way. I'm convinced its absolutely worth donating to them (and not just to boost my numbers).
Rob is a ****ing star. One of the best.
Bloody love Robin. We met on many Sideways Thursday night rides around Macc forest, Hancurch woods and the like and I never forget he was there to make us all breakfast at the end of one of Tim Johnson's Sideways Midnight rides. And the 2 tickets to Turin Breaks he gave to Mrs BigJohn and me when he couldn't go.
Fond memories, Merlinman. May your journey be bright and pure.
Cheered greatly by those comments 🫶🏻
I’ve no indication yet of the timescale of things to come, but we are making moves in readiness. Medics suggest weeks/months.
My current greatest anxiety is a collection of biking mags and books, a bike room containing my beloved Merlin Mountain, Salsa Fargo, Genesis Vapour + boxes of spares (mostly new) - oh and every copy of Singletrack World mag. !!!
Help me out to free up valuable space, please 🙏 There will be generous donations to the STW survival fund 🤞🏻
rob.fisk@ntlworld.com
To quote a great literary mind of our time, this should be applied to the big C.
**** right off.
And when you have ****ed off, go **** off some more.
And then keep on ****ing off until you have ****ed off as far as you can.
And the go **** yourself some more.
Cheeky (if you know you know) chip-in from me. Cancer really is a cancer.
I’m a useless dancer when I say cancer is a ****er. Rob – had my number from the start.
More to call me out than call me. You’re a top gent and I wish you some excellent days.
If anyone can herd the old cats for a bike ride and/or beer count me in.
Doing things in real life is the best.
I think I met Rob at a few 24hr races, not that he'd remember me I'm sure but if there's a ride/meet up bare me in mind. I've been in training for one of those Steve Makin meet at the bench and go and eat cake rides I see on insta and Flickr for years.