‘Superhero’ is flying the flag for Maggie’s
of the centre.
Maggie’s Lanarkshire fundraising manager Heather McArthur said: “Derek is living proof that not all superheroes wear capes!
“When I met him after his Lake Tahoe challenge, I was in absolute awe of what can be achieved if you are focused, determined – and most 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 overcome with cancer or heart attack, it was me who left more inspired than I’d arrived!
“I’m lucky to have my health and fitness but people are 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 leaves hundreds of unanswered questions, and the qualified experts at Maggie’s are ready to support in their superbly designed buildings which feel 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 donations to fund its work.
For more details on taking on a challenge in support of Maggie’s, contact Heather McArthur on 01236 771191.