In August 2005,when Alan was 27, he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. He was given a terminal diagnosis of only a few months in February 2007. His inner strength  and courage in  accepting  this and his  determination to live life to the full was amazing. He continued to take part in drug trials. He lived the next 11 months with good humour and a sense of contentment supported by family, friends and work colleagues at Nichol McKay. He followed his football team, Dundee United, and attended many sporting events. In October ,he was best man at his friend Mike's wedding.
Through various running events members of his family are raising money for the Beatson and their work  towards finding a cure for malignant melanoma.
Marjorie,Alan's aunt, ran the London Marathon, in April, in just over 4 hours 30 minutes. In May, big sister Lesley ran the Edinburgh Marathon in 4hours 12 minutes. Mum Irene, and Lesley ran the Glasgow Women's 10K.
In September, Marje and Irene took part in the Great Scottish Run all 13 miles!
Last Event of 2008!! Dublin Marathon October 27th
Well, we did it. Weather was bitterly cold but we all got round. Running can't change what has happened to Alan but it has helped us to cope. Thank you to all who have supported us and continue to do so.
We're still going!!!  2009 Another year of running. Lesley is running London and Edinburgh marathons for Cancer Research. Dundee United are running The Alan Clarke football tournament, linking it to raising awareness about skin cancer in young men  in Auigust.  Lesley raised a magnificent £2000 for Cancer Research
2010 and we'll keep running! and raising money for the Beatson. Thank you to all who support us and remember Alan.