Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. This fundraiser is my way of trying to give something in return for treatment both I and countless others before me have received at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow. Sadly way too many friends, members of my local community and those I have met along the way are no longer here, and this fundraiser is in memory of each and every one of them.

In 12 days time on 19th June, all being well, I am due to complete a 12th round of IV Chemotherapy, as part of an ongoing treatment plan for Breast Cancer. On 3rd April at my first IV appointment, I set myself a target to walk at least 12 miles a week and in doing so, hopefully with the support of others, raise £144, a pound for each mile covered.

This is my 3rd cancer journey in 17 years. In 2008 whilst living in Essex, I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. I was subsequently given the all clear after surgery, Chemotherapy and monitoring. Ten years later, having moved to the Isle of Mull, I had surgery and then Radiotherapy at ‘The Beatson’ for Breast Cancer the first time. In November 2024, I received news that cancer had returned.

3 surgeries later, weekly Chemotherapy is currently being delivered along with 3 weekly Immunotherapy injections (until March 2026) by an amazing small team of dedicated and compassionate nurses at the Macmillan Day Ward, Lorne & Islands Hospital, Oban on behalf of ‘The Beatson’.

I wasn’t sure if I would be able to reach my target based on my previous experience of Chemotherapy, and did not feel brave enough to make this public. However, with the end of this particular aspect of my treatment within touching distance, I am now sharing this with you.

I am hugely indebted to my wife Cheryl, family and friends for their support plus, all of the cards, messages, generous gifts and the hard working NHS staff for helping me get this far, third time around; especially on those days when it’s been hard to venture out of my PJ’s.

To date, I have actually walked over 170 miles, accompanied on occasions by Cheryl or friends but always with our Border Terrier dog Ray. I am definitely getting slower and sensitive feet have been sore at times but I am truly hoping to keep putting one foot in front of the other, until I get this Chemotherapy completed.

After my most recent surgeries and in the short break before starting chemo, I took my ukulele and joined friends from our island community group Mullukes. Together with ‘Friends’ we provided an evening of musical entertainment at An Tobar and Mull Theatre arts centre. All proceeds were for joint donation to the Tobermory RNLI and The Beatson Cancer Charity. I was asked by some who were unable to make the night how they might contribute and I am also using this fundraiser as an opportunity to do so.

Thank you for reading my story and if you are able to help please in some small way, I know the money will be used to help others like me in the future. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.