Chipping in for cancer care

Isabel Harvey, from Kirkintilloch, joined husband Stewart for the event at Mugdock Country Park ealier this month.

She first became ill shortly after getting married in 1988 - being diagnosed with breast cancer and going through a series of doses of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and operations.

Years after getting the all-clear she was admitted to hospital with a suspected chest infection which turned out to be terminal secondary bone cancer.

Stewart told the Herald: “The whole family was devastated but Isabel was determined to fight it, she had radiotherapy again and started on regular medication. She carried on with life and always believed there were people worse off than her.”

Isabel gets her treatment at the Beatson, which is supported by charity Macmillan Cancer Support, and the couple decided they wanted to do something to support others in the same situation.

They planned the walk, a barbecue and a ‘name the bear’ competition, hoping to raise a couple of hundred pounds.

Stewart said: “The walk went really well with lots of people of all ages and abilities. Some had young kids in buggies with them and we even had a couple of dogs along.

“The weather was marvellous and everyone had a great day for a great cause. Everyone chipped in, helping with music, the BBQ, playing games with the kids and even taking collection tins around with them to try and collect from other people at the park. A couple of days later we had collected the last of the money and our total had reached a staggering £1,200.

“We were all so pleased to realise that there are so many people out there who are willing to give to such a good cause, whether it was the money they were going to pay for a fancy coffee or larger amounts that they have collected at work. It just goes to show that if many people put in a little it can make a huge difference.

To donate just go to www.justgiving.com/Stewart-Harvey1