Poignant Ullapool head shave to help cancer-struck pal's flight dream come true
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A DYING woman could realise her last wish of flying above her Wester Ross home after a friend’s heartfelt fundraising gesture touched people around the world.
Maria Paterson (36) was given only a year to live last month after the latest setback since her diagnosis with breast cancer in 2018.
Despite the disease spreading aggressively, Mrs Paterson’s spirit and courage has shone throughout grim bouts of treatment including surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
The Covid-19 pandemic made it even tougher for her and husband Steve, both financially and with shielding restrictions, preventing friends and family from visiting.
Only now has her mum Ilka, from Germany, been able to travel to Scotland, enabling the pair to embrace in a much longed-for hug.
In a moving show of solidarity, Diane Rusling (63) offered to shave her head to raise cash in an effort to make her much-loved friend’s final months more comfortable.
Having married Steve just after diagnosis, Mrs Paterson, from Elphin, north of Ullapool, now hopes to use some of the £5000 raised in just days to go on honeymoon should lockdown restrictions allow.
But her great dream would be to use some of the cash for a private flight over her home.
Ms Rusling, who lives at Blughasary, near Ullapool, runs a self-catering business where Mrs Paterson previously worked.
The poignant head shave, with the Patersons looking on, took place on Ullapool’s Shore Street on Sunday.
Ms Rusling said: “Maria has been very open, brave and cheerful while battling her illness but she had devastating news in June when the clinic discovered another tumour behind her eye. She considered not continuing with treatment, but then decided she would. They have now given her a life expectancy of about a year.
“What really upset her was losing her hair the second time. We sat out in the garden and I told her I’d like to do a brave the shave fundraiser, directly for them both, but I wanted her blessing.I left it with her and Steve to have a think and then we agreed the next day I would go for it.
“For me, it wasn’t something to worry about. My hair will grow back. I just wanted to show solidarity for my friend. We’ve been such good mates for quite a few years now.I was worried about Maria attending, given her need to distance, but it was lovely to see her there on Sunday.
“Once I did the shave, she came over to join me and took her hat off – and that was very emotional.”
As well as supporting the Patersons through hardship the fund will help pay for some alternative therapies, as well as potentially the dream flight.
Ms Rusling said: “Maria hates the term bucket list, but they got married just after she was diagnosed and didn’t have a honeymoon.
“And it would be just fantastic for her to do the flight, which we’re looking into. It would be in a small aircraft over to her house and down the west coast to Skye, then back, taking about two hours and costing £500. If well enough, she would like to take the controls for a bit. She’s really excited about it.”
Mrs Paterson has been blown away by people's support. She said: “I’m so thankful to my best friend Di for organising this and can’t believe how big it has grown. I’m absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and strangers alike. They have my deepest, heartfelt thanks.”
Those wishing to contribute can find the GoFundMe page at https://gf.me/u/ygmbdf
