Judi McLeod, Customer Service Officer shares her fundraising story:-

"After a year when vital cancer trials have been delayed, the Cancer Research UK annual Race for Life was more important than ever but by the time I saw the advert for this year’s 5km "Race for Life at Home" I thought I’d left it too late.  However, the fact that it was due to be run two weekends later gave me the incentive I needed as that would be a year exactly since I lost someone very dear to me to cancer.  I ran 5k along part of the Deeside Railway Line.

"I ran the race for two people in particular: Trish Kemsley and Alan McLeod, but there are many others I know, or have known, who have been blighted by cancer. Some are still with us but others have lost their brave fight.

"Trish was a Grampian Housing Association work colleague that I'd only known for the short time but who very quickly made a huge impact. Trish was one of those unique people who had a true gift of making you feel special, but she was the special one. As Covid took hold of the world, cancer took hold of Trish. She was one of the most positive, funniest, determined, inspirational people I have known. The updates and messages Trish sent while she was ill left me laughing out loud one minute and bawling my eyes out the next. Sadly our much loved colleague and friend to many recently lost her courageous fight. She will be missed.

"Alan was my ex-husband but we remained very close friends. He was the absolute best step dad to my two children and even after we separated I knew we could turn to him if I needed anything or just for a blether and catch up. Alan died from lung cancer exactly a year to the day I ran the race. I was fortunate to be with him at the end and will be eternally grateful to my step-family for allowing me that privilege.

"Alan had already gone and at the time of the race Trish was still fighting but struggling against the unforgiving disease. The least I could do was run a few kilometres to raise money for cancer research and hope that one day there will be a cure for this indiscriminate horrendous disease.

"In the two weeks in between setting up my Just Giving page and running the race the donations flooded in from friends, family and GHA colleagues. The response was overwhelming and humbling, particularly in relation to people who had their own cancer related stories.

"The final total raised for Cancer Research UK was a staggering £940 (my target was a tentative £200)!  Gobsmacked is an apt a word to describe my feelings towards the incredible generosity of all those who made a donation. Thank you."