In April 2019 my brother-in-law Chris Kenny was diagnosed with colon cancer. Over the following year he went through major surgery at the RAH in Paisley and this was followed with a programme of chemotherapy at the Beatson in Glasgow. There were days when getting up and walking was a tough obstacle to overcome but 5 years on, he has just had his last scan and is able to enjoy life knowing that he has been one of the lucky ones. Chris has worked through his cancer journey, is now cancer free, and is hugely grateful for the support and care he received at the Beatson.

In January 2023, after a short period when I did not feel well, I was admitted to the QEUH and subsequently diagnosed with a complex renal cancer. I had 7 months of a combination therapy treatment - 6 weekly immunotherapy and a daily anti cancer drug. It was hard dealing with the side effects particularly how the drugs caused me to have very sore feet - walking was uncomfortable and kept to a minimum. Almost a year on, after surgery in September 2023, I too am now cancer free and back on my feet, exercising regularly and walking every day. My journey is not yet over as I continue to be closely monitored every 6/12 weeks. I am waiting for my lungs to heal from the drug induced inflammation, and I also await a decision on the next stage in my care, perhaps a return to a low dose of anti cancer medication for a period later this year.

As we start 2024, the Beatson have challenged its supporters to hit the streets in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity and raise vital funds. These funds help to treat 8,000 new patients that will be treated at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre this year and the many existing patients who continue to benefit from the wide range of services they deliver through the charity.

The challenge is to walk at least 8,000 steps every day for 30 days straight. As a simple way of 'giving back, Chris and I have decided to join together and challenge ourselves to each walk 8000 steps a day from 1st February 2024 for 30 days. We may be able to do some of those walks together, some will be done apart. However we do it, we want to ask you to support us and see if we can together raise £1000 for the Beatson Cancer Charity. We will report along the way and if you ever fancy joining us, please let us know. Maybe one day in the challenge we will gather as many friends and family as we can to do one of the daily walks with all the people that have helped and supported us on our respective cancer journeys.

We have both been incredibly fortunate to have so many close family and friends at our backs, guiding, encouraging and supporting us every day. We thank you for that.

So, can you help us?. If so, please donate what you can. These are tough times financially for many people but as Chris and I know, the Beatson Cancer Charity delivers a huge range of services for patients, their families, carers and friends which make a real difference to those who use them. Your contribution will definitely make a difference so please give what you can and help us to hit that target!

Thank you.