In March 1995, my youngest son celebrated his 17th birthday. The in the April of that year his life with those of the whole family was to change forever.

He started to feel unwell generally, and after a fraught couple of weeks he was finally diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour.

Even after four years of this illness, it is hard to put into words the panic and fear I felt upon knowing that my 17 year-old son had cancer.

It is any parent's worst nightmare to know that your child (whatever their age) is very seriously and perhaps terminally ill. Many of you reading this will have gone through similar emotions, if your child (or young person) has been diagnosed with cancer.

Many times people have said to me, 'I would never cope if it was my child.' I used to think like that, but one thing you have to learn very quickly is that the only way to get through long days and seemingly even longer nights, is just to get on with things as best you can. Some days are tolerable, some not, however I believe that all mothers, naturally put the needs of their off-spring before their own, especially at times of crisis.

Sometimes I would leave his room, go into the hospital corridor and break down in tears, because of the pain of his suffering was too much for me to bear. I remember a friend commenting to me that he was amazed that I could be crying for a few minutes away from him and then return to his bedside with a huge smile. That surprised me, I didn't even know that I did this, but perhaps it is a gift inherent in all mothers to be strong for their children at times of great need.

I have met many mothers and fathers who have continually channelled all their strength and love into their child, and their siblings too; whilst their own personal world is caving in. Such demands on a parent can take its toll on relationships with a partner or other family members. Illness of this severity is extremely stressful and distressing. In consequence it is literally possible, 'to run out of steam'. Just try and hang in there, and be gentle with one another and most importantly yourself. Not always possible, I know myself.

So, what's it like almost 4 years down the line? We've got there despite being told on more occasions than I like to recall, that our son, 'wouldn't make it through the night.'

. Well, we are battered and bruised, desperately tired, older and hopefully a lot wiser. We still hurt for our son and the terrible effect that cancer has had upon him. And upon the rest of the family, especially his brother, whom he has always, been very close to.  However, somehow we have survived a minefield of emotions and our son is in reasonable health.