Fundraiser cashes in on ‘five years clear’
Event raises £3500 for Macmillan Cancer Support
A St Leonards man has helped raise thousands of pounds for charity to mark five years clear from cancer.
David Neary (31) raised over £3500 for Macmillan Cancer Support and The Beatson Cancer Charity with a fundraiser at Torrance House Golf Club.
David was diagnosed with testicular cancer which had spread to his lymph glands at the age of just 25.
He underwent months of chemotherapy and surgery, and is raising money to thank the staff who supported him during this difficult time.
“The event was to raise funds for the charities as they have both looked after me and my wife over the past five years, but to also mark my fifth year clear of cancer,” David told the News.
“I underwent surgery then three months of chemotherapy. I stayed at the Beatson in Glasgow’s West End on and off during this period.
“After my chemotherapy I received further surgery on my abdomen and a stay in Gartnavel General to recover, after which I was given the all clear.”
The nurses gave David and wife Emily some special support during this period as the couple planned their wedding.
He said: “As a strange coincidence my chemotherapy started exactly a year to the date before my wife and I were due to be married, we had been engaged for a number of years and our wedding had been booked for a year or so, and we just took this as a good omen.
“We spent the summer planning the wedding from my hospital bed with some help from the Beatson and Macmillan nurses.
“The Beatson and Macmillan were very kind to my wife and I and our family during this time and continue to be to this day.”
David hopes to be able to raise awareness of testicular cancer, especially among young men, and he hopes to talk in schools in the near future
“Having gone through this experience as a young man, I hope I can help bring testicular cancer to the attention of young men who may not realise they are at risk.
“I am in discussion with Macmillan about possibly speaking in high schools regarding my illness and the importance of being vigilant.”
If you wish to donate to David visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/ 5 years clear