We have had such a fabulous holiday, made even more special by the fact that I didn't expect to see another summer, let alone another wonderful summer holiday.

When we arrived in Turkey it was in the early hours of the morning and very loud and hot.

I thought I would hate it and was getting frantic after two nights of no sleep due to the noise from the nightlife and the fact that the air con wasn't working. To top it all, Jacob got sick. But we soon got into the swing of things.

It wasn't until I went away that I fully appreciated how much I needed a break. It was so lovely being alone with Tom and the boys.

I loved the way the boys latched on to me and really wanted to include me in their fun.

I particularly enjoyed the beach and can think of few things to compare to walking barefoot on the wet sand with the waves splashing around my ankles and my husband and children by my side.

We had a go at parasailing which I thought was a bit adventurous but I pretended not to be scared because Tom and the boys looked so cool about the whole thing.

We also went on the most glorious boat trip to see dolphins but they unfortunately didn't want to be seen. It didn't matter though because we had lovely swim stops out at sea.

Jacob and Lewis decided to jump and dive from the top of the boat. Jacob leaped confidently but I could see Lewis wasn't sure.

I felt frightened for him but then there he was whizzing through the air then bobbing up out of the water alongside his brother. Both boys were frantically looking around to make sure I had seen.

I gave them the thumbs up and there was no stopping them from then - they loved it! It was my birthday that day and what a way to spend it.

I got to swim with turtles another day and on a jeep safari we drove deep into the countryside and saw a wild tortoise - they are my favourite animal.

Once again I was overcome by the kindness of people when a couple of families whose holidays were coming to an end approached us and gave us all their food, lotions and potions and lilos. That set us up quite nicely for the rest of our stay and they didn't even know I had cancer.

I must admit I did feel quite chuffed to be recognised by someone from one of the magazine features. I find recognition is a very flattering thing.

Even under these sad and bizarre circumstances it always makes me smile. The evening of my birthday wasn't so good.

I had decided to go for lobster but unfortunately the lobster and I didn't agree and I was almost instantly sick.

I felt terrible and when I returned to the table to tell Tom how dreadful I was feeling, I was met by a blast of "happy birthday to ya" on the loudspeakers.

This was followed by the waiters dancing with sparklers all around me, carrying a big cake on a pedestal.

All the other customers were watching and clapping.

Then I had to dive back to the loo before being walked home by Jacob and Lewis to collapse in our apartment - leaving my cake on the table and Tom to pick up the bill.

I was wiped out for most of the following day and my migraine decided to kick in while I was down.

I definitely didn't let it ruin the holiday and Tom and the boys were happy by the pool.

By that time we had met some lovely people who also had children and our families got on so well.

Lewis massaged my feet and offered me some healing which I thought was particularly sweet.

He often watches when I have my treatments and I'm sure he has picked up a few tricks. Shopping in Turkey wasn't much fun as you need to barter for everything and I hate that.

Everyone appears to be so kind and lovely but they resort to really heavy sales tactics.

But not everyone we met was like that. The staff at our apartment were very hard working and attentive.

The cleaners put flowers on the bed and made swans from towels and fans out of bed clothes. One of the waiters offered Tom 100 camels and a donkey for me.

Although initially flattered I am glad Tom didn't sell as I discovered he was making most people offers for their wives and the bigger the wife the bigger the offer. I wonder if I would have been returned when he realised I was damaged goods.

One night I heard Jacob crying out for me. He sounded quite distraught so I leapt out of bed to see him.

I think he was still asleep and had been dreaming. He put both arms around me and clutched me tight like he would never let me go.

He was obviously comforted and reassured that I was there as his breathing quickly calmed and he went into a more restful sleep. As I watched him sleeping it was me who didn't want to leave.

I know my children love me but sometimes they think it is inappropriate and uncool to show it.

So I felt particularly chuffed one evening when Jacob laughed at me and said in a surprised voice: "Mum, are you tucking me in?"

He then followed with: "Do you know I really love it when you do that?"

When we were flying home, I asked them what they had enjoyed most about the holiday and Lewis, my little charmer, replied: "Spending time with you". Is it any wonder I love my boys?