There are some fortunate people on this earth who sail through life never having to face adversity and rarely having to rise to life's many challenges.

But there are others who are not so fortunate and still others who are obliged to face illness and suffering with all the courage they can summon.

When I think of courage, optimism and determination, I immediately think of a young man who has already had more than his share of hospitals, endless painful medical procedures and treatments, all faced with extraordinary perseverance. That young man is Philip Patrick Wilson, known affectionately as Phil to his friends.

I first met Phil almost five years ago after he was given the devastating diagnosis of cancer. From that moment on, Phil was determined to go into battle, to research every known word about his illness, to question his physicians and relentlessly investigate all available treatments.

Our cancer support organisation P.A.L.S., along with our nurse Liz Hanson, assists Phil whenever he needs us and we feel privileged to be able to do so.

An avid and experienced sailor, Phil has firmly set his sail to the wind, enjoyed every possible moment of life and endured difficult days and nights of these last years with his own marvellous sense of humour and strength of character.

I well remember a particular evening in 1994 when Phil planned to give a slide presentation to benefit P.A.L.S. on one of his exciting sailing trips aboard War Baby .

That day he was experiencing overwhelming weakness and nausea, yet at 7 p.m.

this young man, bald and ashen-faced, managed to crawl up the steps of the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club and somehow fulfilled his promise to the waiting audience. For that great effort he received a tremendous and much deserved ovation. Only courage and determination made the evening possible.

Throughout these years, Caroline Trimby, now Mrs. Phil Wilson, has never wavered in support of her beloved Phil and has walked beside him every step of the way.

I salute you Phil and admire all you stand for. In September, 1996 while in hospital in the UK, you wrote in your newsletter: "Just when you think you have come to the end of your rope, tie another knot, hang on and swing with the wind!'' My reply to you at the time was "Keep that line taut, swing with the wind when you must and head into it whenever you can.'' We are proud of you Phil, and hope you know in your heart that P.A.L.S. will always be with you.

HEALTH HTH