‘Superhero’ is flying the flag for Maggie’s

Intrepid fundraiser Derek Stewart inspired centre users and supporters at Maggie’s Lanarkshire as he told of his adventures in aid of the centre – most recently including a gruelling 205-mile nonstop endurance race in the USA.

He spoke to supporters of the cancer caring facility, based in the grounds of Monklands Hospital, about his 12 years of fundraising for the charity which has seen him raise more than £75,000 to date.

Derek was invited to speak at the “evening of inspiration and motivation” to encourage people to take on a challenge in support of Maggie’s; but said he “left more inspired than I’d arrived” after hearing the stories of some of those supported by the Airdrie centre.

He has previously competed in three ultra-marathons and three Ironman triathlons, each involving a 2.4- mile swim, 112-mile cycle and 26.2-mile marathon.

The 58- year- old had also successfully tackled the Marathon des Sables – five and a half marathons in six days across the Sahara desert – plus six marathons in a week in the Grand Canyon, before taking on the Tahoe 200 late last year.

Running in memory of his late friend, Carol O’Docherty, he completed the epic challenge in California and Nevada which saw him negotiate 40,200 feet of ascents and even negotiating bear country, in just over 85 hours.

Derek finished 65th in a race which one- third of the 215 starters did not complete, crossing the line ahead of target in a total time of three days, 13 hours and 16 minutes after having a combined total of just seven hours’ sleep throughout.

His efforts raised nearly £10,000 for the centre thanks to online donations, plus £1800 collected by fellow guests at a conference hosted by research firm RSMR and doubled by the company – with that conference boost also being importantly, as Derek says, ‘have a why’.

“Supporters of Maggie’s are often driven by the desire to give something back, and for them there is no greater why.”

Derek, a former Maggie’s fundraising board member, described his recent talk at the centre as his “highlight of the week” and said of his audience: “It was supposed to be me inspiring them, but when I spoke to them and heard their stories, the challenges some of them had doing challenges and are not necessarily in that position. Others may doubt their ability to take on certain challenges but won’t know unless they try.

“They already have the important part, the why – so the rest is about making a plan, building in controls to ensure they stick to it and then going and enjoying the journey.

“Maggie’s is a special place where cancer sufferers and their family get emotional support. A cancer diagnosis like a sanctuary.

“I wish all [ the supporters] well. When I started this journey in 2008 I had no idea the adventures that I’d get involved in and the amazing friends I’d meet across the world. Taking on a challenge for Maggie’s can be life-affirming.”

Maggie’s Lanarkshire provides a busy programme of practical, emotional and social support for people with cancer and their family and friends, and relies entirely on voluntary

Inspirational Derek Stewart has raised £75,000 for Maggie’s