Eilidh and I chose to take part in this fundraising event as I try endlessly to lead a normal life in the middle of a journey that there is no way of ending, it helps to give me a focus, a sense of achievement and an opportunity to be ME.

Eilidh has kindly agreed to be my BUDDY, to support me through the event and make memories that will last a lifetime too.

Those of you who know me well, will know all about the challenges I face on a daily basis regarding my incurable Cancer journey.

Those of you who may not be aware I was diagnosed in 2019 with Malignant Peritoneum Mesothelioma which is an incurable cancer related to asbestos exposure and given 9-12 months to live.

Fast Forward to now, after numerous surgeries (I won't bore you with the list or what they entailed) some were elective and some were emergencies. I've endured many rounds of Chemotherapy, I have CT and MRI scan every 3 months, and the battles I face daily l will save for another day.

I know that when you read this story you may think no way she doesn't look sick, you are spot on, I don't, I never want to look sick so I will do all in my power to conceal that image, its all about wanting just to be ME.

Anyway why am I still here to tell the tale? I firmly believe between the NHS Scotland & England (my specialists are based in England due to Scotland not having a specialist in the field) and retraining the mind to accept what you are not in control of or what you cannot change encourages you to live in the present, its called the present for a reason, for me its a gift, a gift of life.

Back when I was diagnosed I accepted the reality of death, I accepted that we as a family do not know the duration of the future hence the reason I am always looking at new adventures even little ones, challenges big and small, fundraising and trying to make a difference to the lives of others as all of that still gives me my identity of Carly.

There is so much more to me than all the bad stuff going on inside me.

OKAY............ So at Christmas time my husband and I volunteered with the St Mirren foundation giving time to individuals and families of those who would benefit from a bit of support or company on Christmas Day, it allowed me to be me for a change and forget about the struggles and battles we as a family face and be there for others facing a different kind of battle.

When this event was announced I knew instantly this one was for me, people around me did laugh as I'm the one who is always frozen, I can never heat up and like my own bed at night.

This event will take me out my comfort zone - literally - but it is one that I am really looking forward to.

I want to experience what it is like to be that person on the streets, I want to have a better understanding of the challenges they face and I would also like to meet new people from our community that are taking part for the same cause.

Its a bit like the saying "walk a day in their shoes"

I would appreciate any donation regardless of the amount, it is going to such a worthy cause and will benefit the lives of so many individuals and families.

Below is the official statement from the St Mirren Foundation

💤 Saints Sleep Out Night – Brave volunteers and supporters will swap their beds for the stands at the SMiSA Stadium, spending the night in the cold to raise awareness and funds for those facing homelessness and hardship. Funds raised will be split between Shelter Scotland and your St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation.

If you want to brave the elements, join the sleep out 2025 & raise even more funds, email foundation@stmirren.com for all the sign-up details.

🖤🤍 We need your support to make a difference. Whether it's £2, £20, or £200, every donation helps us secure funds for Fit & Fed and continue to deliver vital programmes and initiatives to those who need them most. Our work spans mental and physical health and wellbeing, employability, education, menopause support, Alzheimer's groups, ASN and more.