You may or may not know that in the last few weeks my sister Sara's battle with cancer took a turn for the worse. Her breast cancer has developed to stage 4, which is inoperable and incurable. She got this news confirmed the day she was supposed to fly to Oz for a post cancer holiday (which had to be cancelled). As Sara pointed out, as bad days go, that was right up there.

Without putting too fine a point on it, the timeline is uncertain, so the next few weeks and months are now about treatment and treats. In her inimitable, organised style Sara has drawn up the most important list one could ever write - a bucket list.

Given her sickening popularity, I have been asked numerous times 'how can I help?' Well people, this is how. Either through donations or deeds, if you wanted to contribute to her list that would be wonderful.

Traditionally people run, swim or cycle to get donations. Sara will be going one better than that and indulging herself, squeezing in as much fun as her health will allow. There is no finer cause.

Her list includes a surf lesson in Cornwall, a stay at Gleneagles, driving the Skyfall highland road, a visit to LEGOLAND, seeing a litter of puppies and meeting Bono! There will also hopefully be a few dinners and drinks with friends in between bouts of chemotherapy.

P.S. If you haven't already got one, I would also recommend you write a bucket list of your own. If there is one lesson the Nicolson family have learnt in spades over the last few months is that life is short. Treats are good.

Best Wishes,

Alex