It has been almost 2 years now since my Dad lost his fight with cancer and with it happening so quickly it came as a massive blow to our family. My Dad being his typical self and not wanting anyone to fuss over him said that it wasn't that bad but I was glad that I made the decision to go down from Shetland to spend time with him whilst he was in hospital waiting for results and although it wasn't the best of surroundings it was good to see the smile on his face when I walked through the door with my Granda as he wasn't expecting to see me. 

My Granda (my Mums Dad) also lost his battle with cancer when we were younger.

Cancer is all around us and sometimes you don't really give it much thought until it hits close to home and opens your eyes.

The past 2 year have not only been hard for myself and family but some of my close friends have also been affected by what cancer can do to their loved ones.

One of my best mates Dad is currently undergoing a battle with cancer and after having a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy has been told that the disease has returned and that repeating the process is not really an option so is now taking experimental drugs that they hope will slow the disease and give him more time on this earth.

Around about the same time that my Dad was fighting cancer a good mates Mum was undergoing a battle with cancer and after beating it twice sadly lost to the disease the third time round and died last year.

Since this time another one of my best mates has lost an Uncle to cancer which also happened very quickly and this has made me realise even more that cancer doesn't care who it hurts, it'll take whoever it wants, whenever it wants.

This where my one of my best mates came up with the idea to raise some funds for our chosen charities - to which I agreed (although I may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time) but have decided to follow it through.

Our plan is to walk the 96 miles of the West Highland Way in 4 days and then trek up Ben Nevis on the 5th, beginning on Saturday 29th June 2013 and finishing Wednesday 3rd July 2013.

I know that you probably all get asked to donate money to worthy causes everyday but please feel free donate whatever you can because it all counts.

My partner in crime is also collecting donations for CLAN and if you wish to also donate to his cause you can find him on: http://www.justgiving.com/Stuart-Dinwoodie

And last but not least PLEASE PLEASE remember to GIFT AID your donation as the Inland Revenue will add 25% to the value of it. It's not very often that we get something from the Tax Man, so you might as well take the opportunity when it arises.