Alness Dad’s Highland Hospice godsend inspires daughter’s ‘pay it back’ bid
A ROSS-SHIRE woman who lost her Dad to cancer is going the extra mile to repay a debt of gratitude in a heart-warming gesture set to benefit others.
Marisa Sharp was motivated by the care given to her father Raymond in his final months following a devastating diagnosis that he faced with characteristic resolve.
Told he had months to live after diagnosis with metastatic renal cancer, he survived for almost a year and spent his final weeks in the care of Highland Hospice, determined until the end to stay active and retain his independence.
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The bond he formed with physio assistant Malwina Cieslak in rehabilitation sessions which included the use of a specially adapted bike proved a source of great comfort to both him and his daughter.
Marisa is now on a mission to raise a total of £8000 to fund new equipment and has already ticked the 25-mile Great Wilderness Challenge of a to-do list that has included raffles, bake sales and school events.
She said: “My dad absolutely loved his physio sessions with Mal. I’m so grateful for the hospice physio dept and how much they help people like my dad get a big sense of normality in one of the most difficult stages of life.
"When he was there, he looked forward to going to the physio department. These gym sessions were an opportunity for a moment of fun and release.”
Raymond and Mal shared a love of classic rock and would often listen to The Beatles and Pink Floyd while singing along.
Raymond has been used a positive case study by the hospice. Though Raymond's illness was aggressive, his final weeks were marked by a rare sense of calm.
"For Raymond, maintaining some level of activity was closely tied to his sense of independence," said Mal. "Our role was to support that in a way that respected his preferences and priorities. Even small routines can offer a sense of stability and purpose, particularly during a time of significant change."
"It was peaceful for him,” said Marisa. "And for the type of person that he was, that was important."
Paying tribute to local people and businesses which had rallied around her fundraising efforts, she said: “It means so much to me to be able to purchase this bike in memory of my dad and I know it will mean so much to others who get the use of it and feel a sense of normality and accomplishment at this time of their lives.”
The charity Heather’s Heroes have said that if Marisa can hit £6000, it will donate the final £2000.
Her fundraising page can be found at greatwildernesschallenge.enthuse.com/pf/marisa-sharp