Hughie was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in May 2020. Here is Hughie's story in his own words:

"I started to feel a consistent ache in my groin from February to March 2020. I have always been a runner and my daily commute to and from work had changed so that I was catching a train to get home after a run to the station. I put the pain down to the fact that I wasn't stretching properly due to being on the train after my run. The pain was constant and achy, but not debilitating. It was then lockdown, so I couldn't really do anything about it.

In early May 2020 I made an emergency appointment with an osteopath who manipulated the area, after which, I was in much more pain and began to limp. I visited the osteo once again, as I thought perhaps the pain was due to my body being realigned. The pain was worse again still and I then could not put much weight on my left side. It was only after the pain became unbearable that I visited A&E for pain relief at the end of May and was diagnosed with bone cancer following various X-rays and CT, MRI scans. Initially they thought my hip was broken (which it was - likely by the osteopath!), but the break was soon put down to the fact that my bone was weak due to a tumour. I had two bone biopsies, but only the post-surgical tumour analysis gave us the definitive diagnosis of osteosarcoma".

On Sunday 10 April at 19:51, we lost the very best of men.

Two years of unbearable pain, intrusive medical procedures and all-round hideousness taken on with fearlessness, grace and strength. Our darling Hughie opened his eyes one final time to catch a glimpse of the Masters. He watched a best friend bring a glass of wine to his wife (who was beside him holding his right hand), and then took his last two breaths as one of his brothers held tightly to his left hand.

Hold your loved ones a little closer.

Rosie Freeland, Hugh's wife @lifewithouthugh

Hughie started fundraising for BCRT in July 2021, taking part in Orange Wednesday whilst having treatment. Since then, his friends, family, colleagues and those he inspired have continued his legacy. Hughie was passionate about raising awareness of Primary Bone Cancer, he said "I have heard so many stories of young people putting their pain down to injury - particularly sporty people. Thinking it is a running, football or tennis injury. If pain doesn't go away, push for an X-Ray. Osteosarcoma is cruel and can be (like mine turned out to be) particularly aggressive. It has a propensity to metastasise, so it is even more vital to catch it early. So many young people die from this cancer, survival rates haven't improved in 30 years, and yet there have been no new treatments for 10 years".

Thank you for taking the time to read Hughie's story, any contribution or support you can give is greatly appreciated, however large or small, as together we can make a difference.