Brian and Alison’s story

Alison and Brian met on a yoga holiday in India in 2009. Other than uncontrollable farting when in headstand, they had very little in common. 

Six months later Brian told Alison that he has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Perhaps because she felt awkward, and didn’t know what to say, she made the rather odd offer of writing letters to him to cheer him up through his treatment. Brian didn’t imagine that she’d follow through with it, none of his friends had offered to do anything similar, so why would Alison as she hardly knew him. Alison had equally surprised herself with the offer – she was no writer. But a promise was a promise and 2 weeks later a letter arrived through Brian’s letterbox.

Brian loved receiving the letters – they made him feel supported and connected in a way that texts and e-mails just couldn’t do. 

For the next two and a half years, as Brian’s cancer worsened, Alison’s letters continued. Rarely did they make reference to his illness but instead were filled with funny stories about her friends, family and herself. When Alison and Brian met up they would often discuss the letters rather than dwelling on his cancer. 

In 2013, Brian was given the all clear and in 2016 the 2 now best friends were recorded for Radio 4’s The Listening Project, talking about the letters. Such was the response to the broadcast that they decided to set up the charity From Me to You, encouraging people to write letters to friends and  family suffering with cancer - keeping them connected at a time when they feel most disconnected. They also run a Donate A Letter campaign where people write anonymous letters to cancer patients in hospitals across the UK. 

The two friends now work together to promote the charity, inspiring others to trust in the power of the letter.