Invergordon cancer survivor close to £5000 as she steps up for 20-mile Edinburgh Kiltwalk
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
An Invergordon fundraiser is set to take on the 21-mile Edinburgh Kiltwalk this weekend to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK – just a few months after finishing treatment for the disease.
The Kiltwalk challenge asks people to wear tartan whilst walking up to 80 miles through Scotland’s beautiful scenery.
There are four walks in four different locations across the country (Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh) and Mandy Gill (42) has committed to walking all four.
In April she did the first of the 20-mile Kiltwalks in Glasgow, with her sister Debbie Walker. Since then she has completed both Aberdeen and Dundee Kiltwalks alongside her husband David.
Easter Ross survivor hits target – and she's not done yet!
This Sunday, Mandy will be testing her walking shoes to the limit and taking on the last leg of the challenge with the 21-mile Edinburgh Kiltwalk. She has already raised £4951.
When Mandy started experiencing possible bowel cancer symptoms, she contacted her doctor and was diagnosed at stage 3 of the disease. After surgery and chemotherapy, she happily received the all-clear in February this year, but still felt like she wanted to do something to make a difference and to help raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer.
She said: “My friends had been really supportive, with one even running the London marathon, and I felt like I wanted to do something too. I’ve always wished I could do a marathon, but I’m really no runner.
"So I decided instead of running one, I’d walk four! I feel lucky that my bowel cancer was caught early enough and treated quickly, but not everyone is so fortunate. I hope the money I raise can help change that, by helping to raise awareness of the symptoms to look out for, no matter what age you are.
“Walking has been a great way to build up my fitness again after my treatment. Committing to the Kiltwalk means I’ve had to go out training whatever the weather, and that’s been great for my mental health too. I’m really loving walking through all these fantastic Scottish cities and it will be really special to end up in Edinburgh, where I used to live.”
Jenny Poulter, Nations Fundraising Officer for Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re so incredibly proud of Mandy for taking on such a big challenge for us, and we wish her all the best for her upcoming Kiltwalk treks.
"All the money she generously raises will help us to make more people aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.
“Bowel cancer is Scotland’s fourth most common cancer and the second biggest cancer killer. But it doesn’t have to be this way as it’s treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early and by going straight to your GP it’s possible to rule out bowel cancer first and fast.
“Key symptoms to look out for include bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo, a persistent and unexplained change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness for no obvious reason and a pain or lump in your tummy. Most people with these don’t have bowel cancer, but if you experience one or more of them, you should contact your doctor straight away.”
Donate to Mandy Gill’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mandy-Gill08
