Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Hello. My name is Don Sutherland, I am 58 years of age and I reside in Kirkcaldy. I have been a Police Officer in Fife for 25 years and I currently serve as a response team Sergeant covering Cowdenbeath and South West Fife. I am also proud to say I am an advocate for Maggie’s Centre Fife and a strong believer in the good and necessary work they carry out for people affected by cancer and the support they also provide for their loved ones.

In March 2011 I lost my amazing sister Fiona to pancreatic cancer. She was only 54 years of age. In January 2012 my beautiful wife Valerie was taken by cervical cancer at just 48. To say I was devastated would be an understatement. I was lost for a while, however, by chance in 2014 I discovered Maggie’s Centre based at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy. I wandered in one day with no understanding of what or who they were.

The staff patiently listened to my tale of woe and over time helped me come to terms with what had happened and why I felt the way I did. With greater understanding came the strength to move forward with my life in a positive and constructive manner. I will always be grateful to Maggie’s for the support they gave me at a time when I needed it.

So, as a person who has benefitted from their kindness and expertise it is my privilege to try and contribute in some way to ensuring that the service continues for people in a similar situation. Without the selflessness and the generosity of Fifers, Maggie’s Fife could not continue to provide the vital service it provides. Each Centre costs on average around £2,400 per day to run and they are a charity that relies solely on public donations. All donations and fundraising that happens in Fife goes towards Maggie’s Fife and keeping the Centre open for those that need the support.

To that end between 8th and 13th February 2019 I will be part of a small team of people taking part in a three - day trek into the Arctic Circle. We will be pulling our equipment on sleds 25 to 30 kilometres per day over snow and ice in temperatures that will reach as low as minus 25 degrees.

Many of you will already know my story. As sad as it is I know mine is no more or less tragic than any other. All I can do is look upon my life in the most positive way I know how and try and thank all those who have helped me maintain a positive outlook.

Any support or assistance you can provide will be warmly appreciated and will help to support your local Maggie’s Centre here in Fife. I have already received generous donations from many friends and my colleagues in Police Scotland when I needed to start with a GoFundMe page. I have just started the JustGiving page but you have already donated £2,400.00 and for that I am immensely grateful.

THANK YOU in advance. You can donate here or contact me as per the details attached. For more information on all that Maggie’s Centres can provide please contact Maggie's on the email attached.

Don

Telephone: 07985708241 

Email: donni_s@hotmail.com 

enquiries@maggiescentres.org

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