Dean Finch
Louise McParland, an inspirational mother who took on challenges against all odds to fundraise and create awareness; hoping to change the lives of many she may never even meet.
Fundraising for Rosemere Cancer Foundation
Story
In September 2016, just when I had turned fabulous at 40 and thought my life could not get any better, I was told an x-ray had identified a mass on my left lung. Following multiple tests and scans, on 18th October, I was given the devastating news that I have lung cancer. Not only lung cancer but the smokers type of lung cancer... turns out I am the unlucky 1 in 10. For those of you reading this, that don't know me, I have never smoked a single cigarette! For those you that do know me will know how my heart would have broken at this news.
Treatment has started and I visit the Rosemere Centre multiple times a month and it is an amazing facility. In the early months it was a very daunting place especially when I still felt angry and that I didn't belong there. Everyone who works there, from the volunteers who offer me a drink to the nurses who put up with my tears when they need to take blood, are angels in disguise.
So what has brought about this Just Giving page..... well... One visit to the Rosemere stands out so vividly. I handed my appointment letter to the receptionist and was told to go through to the next room and 'take a seat'. I opened the door and was astounded by the number of people looking back at me. There were no seats and very little standing room either! It hit me just how many people are affected by cancer. All the stats now state that cancer will affect 1 in every 2 people.... no one knows when or under what circumstances they will look towards the Rosemere Centre for help.
Most of you guys know I like to keep fit and run....in fact I've probably bored some of my colleagues with running and diet chat. Therefore it seems quite fitting that I should run and raise money for the centre that is working so hard for me!
What makes this great is my partner in life and run buddy Daniel is coming along for the sheer fun of it. What makes this even more fantastic is that my siblings (all 6 of them), some who have never run before, are will to take on the challenge too. So we are starting with the Kentmere 10km and 17km challenges on 6th May and Daniel and I are running Edinburgh Marathon on 28th May. More runs will be added throughout the year too.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for visiting my JustGiving pag. It would mean so much to me, my family, and many others out there, if you could support this challenge. No matter how little your donation, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you are unable to donate all I ask is that you share this page far and wide.
Love Louise xx
Treatment has started and I visit the Rosemere Centre multiple times a month and it is an amazing facility. In the early months it was a very daunting place especially when I still felt angry and that I didn't belong there. Everyone who works there, from the volunteers who offer me a drink to the nurses who put up with my tears when they need to take blood, are angels in disguise.
So what has brought about this Just Giving page..... well... One visit to the Rosemere stands out so vividly. I handed my appointment letter to the receptionist and was told to go through to the next room and 'take a seat'. I opened the door and was astounded by the number of people looking back at me. There were no seats and very little standing room either! It hit me just how many people are affected by cancer. All the stats now state that cancer will affect 1 in every 2 people.... no one knows when or under what circumstances they will look towards the Rosemere Centre for help.
Most of you guys know I like to keep fit and run....in fact I've probably bored some of my colleagues with running and diet chat. Therefore it seems quite fitting that I should run and raise money for the centre that is working so hard for me!
What makes this great is my partner in life and run buddy Daniel is coming along for the sheer fun of it. What makes this even more fantastic is that my siblings (all 6 of them), some who have never run before, are will to take on the challenge too. So we are starting with the Kentmere 10km and 17km challenges on 6th May and Daniel and I are running Edinburgh Marathon on 28th May. More runs will be added throughout the year too.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for visiting my JustGiving pag. It would mean so much to me, my family, and many others out there, if you could support this challenge. No matter how little your donation, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you are unable to donate all I ask is that you share this page far and wide.
Love Louise xx