In March 2017, I will spend three days trekking into the Arctic Circle covering 100km in sub-zero temperatures.

I am doing this in order to raise funds for Beatson Cancer Charity.  As many of you will know, I myself was treated at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in 2014 as an in-patient receiving chemotherapy. During this difficult time, both my wife Lucille and I got to see the amazing work that Beatson Cancer Charity do for patients and their families.

Our first interaction with the charity was through the Wellbeing Centre that they operate on the top floor of the Beatson building. This non-clinical environment provides a calming break away from the main hospital.  After spending night after night in a hospital bed, it was great to be able to escape up there to have a hot chocolate, chat with the staff and use the internet to keep in touch with life outside.  The Centre also offers a variety of complimentary therapies and hair services.  When my hair first started falling out, I took the opportunity to have an appointment with one of their hairdressers who was able to offer advice and tidy up the damage.

In addition to the Wellbeing Centre, the charity also fund specialist posts, medical equipment and research projects.  A new service that they are providing is the Specialist Health and Work Service which helps cancer patients who are facing difficulties returning to work either after or during their treatment.

Having cancer is isolating but the work that Beatson Cancer Charity do really does make a difference to the experience that you have as a cancer patient.

We were so inspired by the Charity that my wife now works for them and now that I am back to full health, I am determined to give back and hope you will support me in this. Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated. Wish me luck, time to get training now!