Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

This year I am walking 150 miles in June to raise funds for MDS UK, a charity that supports me and thousands like me. As part of the 150 miles I am also doing the Kilt Walk, an 18 mile walk from Banchory to Aberdeen on the 7th June.

Around 15 years ago I was told I was anaemic. After numerous further investigations lasting several years I was surprisingly diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, myelodysplasia, MDS. No, I hadn't heard of it either! Basically I have bone marrow cancer which means I have a lack of red blood cells (I sometimes feel tired for no reason), I have fewer white blood cells (so I'm immunosuppressant and struggle to fight off things like flu and Covid) and have a low platelets count (that can result in an increase in bruising and bleeding). Not wanting to tempt fate I am fortunate that at present I am not currently being treated with any drugs. I have 6 monthly full blood counts and am being monitored under the expert observation of a haematologist from the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

MDS UK is a support charity to help navigate diagnosis, treatment and beyond. They offer trusted information, online support meetings with MDS specialists, one-to-one help, and a community of people who understand. Essentially they are invaluable to me and thousands like me.

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.