"I didn't feel quite as far away."

I have been based in New Zealand for 5 years. My mum was - last month - urgently treated for suspected bowel cancer by a consultant as a result of screening. Mum was discharged - whatever it was, we think - mercifully - has been nipped in the bud.

I just wanted to record my profound praise for the manner in which the consultant kept me informed by email regularly on Mum's progress, plainly sensitive to the fact that I was both naturally concerned and also 12000 miles away! My brother is based abroad too and it was important for us both to have this link in to what was happening.