The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Fundraising challenge to honour Neil
Agrieving widow is taking on a month-long walking challenge to honour the memory of a Dundee dad who died just days before Christmas.
Emoke Matheson will walk 10,000 steps every day in February to raise money for Brain Tumour Research after her husband Neil died at the age of 36 on December 23.
Neil had been battling glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain tumour, and he leaves behind his wife and their five-year-old daughter Isabelle.
Still coming to terms with the loss, Emoke hopes to raise money for research into the brutal cancer.
She has set up a fundraiser on Facebook for people to donate.
Emoke said: “Even if one family doesn’t have to go through what we have, then it will be worth it.
“I am doing this to raise money for the charity of course, but also to raise awareness of the horrible disease.
“I am trying to keep myself busy and thought this would be a good way of doing that and also doing something for Neil.
“Going for a walk has helped clear my mind, even if sometimes I break down crying during it, but once it’s over I feel better.
“But I’m still very much
up and down at the moment. And I have a fiveyear old daughter who is growing up without her dad.
“She mentions him every day and says she wishes he was still alive. But she is strong and keeps me going.”
Neil died just before Christmas after first being diagnosed in 2018.
He had gone through chemotherapy and was set to try a new variety.
It is thought an appointment delayed while hospitals prepared for the
first wave of coronavirus missed a vital opportunity to spot the spread of the tumour.
The new chemotherapy failed and he was then given six months to live by doctors in August.
Brain Tumour Research launched the 10,000 steps a day challenge for February to raise cash while improving participants’ health during lockdown.
Anyone wishing to take part in the 10,000 steps challenge is asked to join the charity’s Facebook page.