A WOMAN from Saltcoats who is battling cancer is set to join the Glasgow Kiltwalk later this month.
Carly Carlin will be raising much needed funds for the Beatson Cancer Charity at the big event on Sunday, April 30.
Carly, 45, who was raised in the town but now lives in Paisley, was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, an incurable cancer related to asbestos exposure, in October 2019.
She said: “Three and a half years ago as I walked through the doors of The Beatson, I embarked on a journey that for me will now last a lifetime.
"It will without doubt have many uphill battles, stormy seas and what may feel like dead ends.
“When first presented, the journey looked incredibly dark, daunting and being honest, short, as the initial prognosis wasn’t particularly favourable. With sheer determination I find myself here and thankfully on a nice flat scenic route for now.
“It is all thanks to the Beatson that I am where I am today - from the access to highly skilled and knowledgeable oncologists, access to treatments specific to my particular cancer, and the support from everyone from the minute you step through those doors.
“Beatson Cancer Charity for me is a local charity like no other. It is a vital source of funding for patients and their families providing essential wellbeing services for those in the west of Scotland at an extremely vulnerable time in our life.
"More importantly for me they fund specialist posts, research projects and fund much needed lifesaving equipment.
“My feet have been my guide and kept me going forward throughout this journey. There is no time like the present to put them to good use and walk an extra 23 miles while the going is good.
“Here I am now, a lifetime patient of the Beatson. To some that will feel like a negative aspect of life - not me. I always find the positive out of every situation even if I sometimes have to dig a little deeper to find it.
“Attending the Beatson gives me access to highly skilled and knowledgable specialists, access to high tech equipment and being kept under close surveillance ensures the care and treatment plans are implemented at that crucial point.”
More than 500 Kiltwalkers are expected to fundraise for Beatson Cancer Charity at the end of the month.
Walkers have a choice of taking part in either the Mighty Stride (22.7 miles), the Big Stroll (14.4 miles) or the Wee Wander (3 miles).
The Mighty Stride takes participants from Glasgow Green all the way to Balloch, while the Big Stroll starts in Clydebank and the Wee Wander starts at Loch Lomond Shores and ends at Moss O’Balloch Park.
Over the years, a grand total of 3,248 people have taken part in the Kiltwalk for Beatson Cancer Charity, raising an incredible £964,922.51.
This year the oldest Kiltwalker for Beatson Cancer Charity is 76 years old, while the youngest is just six.
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