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The doctors knew from the results of this that I had cancer, but they still didn’t know the primary source. So I was sent for a CT scan and then a PET scan. I was then told by a consultant that I had kidney cancer.

At first, I wasn’t terribly worried because I’d known someone who had kid ney cancer before and they just had a kidney removed. I thought that’s what would happen to me.

It was only when I went to the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow that a doctor explained to me that my cancer had actually spread to my stomach, bowels and neck, and was incurable.

I interrupted him and told him I'd heard enough. I didn’t need to know the details or anything else – mentally, I accepted my fate. I'd had a good life and I thought it was okay, but I actually think I went into a bit of denial. I just couldn’t face the facts. I told the doctors that I would take whatever treatment they felt was best and do whatever I was told. I didn’t need to know any more.

Immunotherapy and survivor's guilt

They started me on immunotherapy, but after about nine weeks, I ended up with colitis. This lasted for months requiring two hospital stays.

Fortunately, the immunotherapy did the trick and the tumours in my stomach and bowels have shrunk and some have even disappeared. The cancer is stable and not spreading and I haven’t been on any cancer treatment since May 2025.

I am really happy about this but I do have a bit of survivor’s guilt. I know other people have not been so lucky. I am still being monitored closely. I know it isn’t over and I expect I may need more immunotherapy at a later date. Surgery is also a possibility to remove a kidney.

Thankfully my whole family have been supporting me throughout this journey, especially my sister Bunty, who has come to every appointment with me. I’m not sure how I would have coped on my own. My workmates at New College Lanarkshire have also been very supportive.

I went into Maggie’s, Lanarkshire at the Monklands hospital after one of my first oncology appointments, and I found the staff very helpful and knowledgeable. It was lovely to be able to talk to people who understood what I was going through and sit down and have a cup of tea.

The building is right on the edge of the hospital, so it was easy to access and it’s really beautiful and warm - a totally different environment and very relaxing compared to the hospital. I also popped over to Maggie’s one lunchtime when I was staying in a ward at Monklands Hospital, and they told me that I could come over any time. Even at weekends when they were closed, I could still access the garden. I thought that was extremely kind and helpful, because it really was great to get out of the ward for a short time.

Facing adversity in the past

Thirteen years ago, I had another serious medical condition that I managed to overcome. A disc in my back herniated and I required emergency spinal surgery. I was left with a serious condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome.

It took me years to recover from that and I have been left with some mobility issues. But I went from barely able to walk to being able to cycle for miles. It was a long hard battle, and even now I can be unsteady on my feet - walking is limited to a mile or so, but I see that as a blessing!

Cycling gave me my independence and freedom back. I have been a keen cyclist for ten years now.

Following my immunotherapy treatment, I am not as strong as I used to be, so I treated myself to an e-bike. I now cycle 20 plus miles whenever I can, and I am pleased to say that I am taking on a cycling fundraising challenge for Maggie’s.

I have signed up to do the blue route of the Chris Hoy Tour de Four challenge, which will take off from the Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow on 6 September.

I’m doing this for Maggie’s because they do so much work for people living with cancer in the community.

Being able to come into the beautiful ҹɫֱ²¥ building and just relax is perfect for someone with a cancer diagnosis like me. Everything is very low key.

If I didn’t feel like chatting I knew I didn’t have to, but I also knew there was always a Maggie’s expert on hand to lend an ear. I came over to Maggie’s about four times in total and I phoned a couple of times too.

Staying positive thanks to ҹɫֱ²¥

When I was first diagnosed, I thought that was it and I tied up all my loose ends, but I now know I have been given extra time and I feel lucky.

That support from Maggie’s when you’re worrying about cancer treatment is invaluable and is what I believe helped me to stay positive.

I am now regularly training for the Tour de Four challenge from my house in Cumbernauld, whenever I can. I love getting on my bike and I’m proud to be doing it for Maggie’s – helping other people and their families with cancer too.

Become a Friend of ҹɫֱ²¥

Everyone with cancer deserves a place like Maggie’s. We want to continue to grow so that we can support everyone impacted by cancer in the UK.

It costs nothing to come into one of our centres - but it takes your kind donations to keep us free of charge for everyone living with cancer and their family and friends.

Become a Friend of ҹɫֱ²¥ by donating, fundraising for us or getting involved, and help Maggie’s to be here today, tomorrow and always.