Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On 28th December 2019 my good friend Dr Sharon Hutchison died only a year after being diagnosed with Melanoma.  Sharon was only 39 years old and spent years conducting research in to cancer and most recently worked as a researcher studying Melanoma at the University of Highlands and Islands Division of Biomedical Sciences in Inverness.  She became aware of a change in appearance of a mole on her neck and was subsequently diagnosed with the disease after visiting her GP.  Sharon underwent invasive surgery and treatment which proved ineffective. 

Sharon’s true strength and determination showed throughout her illness, still working and continuing to research the disease which she was sadly suffering from.  She continued to do Crossfit, go mountain biking and run, taking part in the Baxter’s 10k just 12 weeks before her death.

Sharon was highly intelligent, unassuming, lived life to the full and was a special friend to many, a truly beautiful person inside and out.  She has left a big void in the lives of all who were close to her.

In memory of Sharon I am taking her place in the Loch Ness Etape, a 103km road cycle around Loch Ness then in September 2020 I am taking on the challenge to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest freestanding mountain.  Both of these will be huge challenges for me. 

I am doing this in an effort to raise money for the Highland Hospice where Sharon was cared for in her final weeks.  It is difficult to put in to words what the Hospice provides.  The care, respect, compassion and support provided to not only Sharon, but her family and close friends was indescribable.  The Highland Hospice is the only provider of specialist palliative care in the Highlands and need funds of over £7000 a day to cover costs of the services which they provide.

The funds from JustGiving are sent directly to the Highland Hospice and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more.

Thanks again!! Any help is greatly appreciated by me and all Sharon’s family and friends.