A group of friends and I are walking 10 miles through Edinburgh on the evening of Friday 21st September, taking in various “Cultural Highlights” along the way, and its all in aid of Maggie’s Centres.

Maggie’s is a Charitable Organisation which runs centres, usually within hospital grounds, where people with cancer, and their friends & family can pop in and get invaluable practical and emotional support. They work very closely with hospitals, but provide a level of care that is just not possible to give within the mainstream hospital environment.

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer, followed by an operation and 6 months of chemotherapy. At Maggie’s Centre I always found someone to talk to, whether it was about how to deal with the side effects from the chemotherapy, or how to interpret the hospital pathology reports, for just a friendly chat or for more personal emotional support. They also offer many other services including financial advice, nutritional advice or relaxation classes. I really don’t know how I would have managed without them - or my friends - my only regret was not going earlier! After just learning I needed chemo, I ran into a very kindly neighbour, who also had bowel cancer, but sadly has since died, who “scooped me up” from the Oncology Department and ushered me through the doors of Maggie’s, and I never looked back. After a routine checkup, I still like to pop in just to say hello to all the wonderful Maggie's staff and volunteers.