An amazing thought, all the things that can happen in 10 years. Charis, so vibrant and full of life, was just 2 months old then. Now she's a trumpet and piano playing, gymnastic, comedienne of the family.

I'd been ill, chronically ill, for some 2 and a half years. But on the 19th May 1998, the disease (and my large intestine) was removed for good in a marathon 6 hour operation.

I got my life back. My family got their husband, father, son back.

It's thanks to the Internet, and the website, brainchild of a special friend, Shaz, that I had the courage to go for the operation. You can read my story here.

Since that time we've moved to from the UK to Australia, I've rekindled my interest in boating, sailing, diving, and water-skiing. I've been a national and regional consultant for global IT companies. In short, I'm as well as the next person.

So I'm celebrating a good decade!

If there is anything holding you back from living life to the full: disease, relationships, confidence; make the sacrifice and enjoy every hour of every day - you don't know just how many you have.

R42