Hero cancer survivor passes £100,000 mark

June fulfils promise to late husband by dedicating her life to raising money for cancer charities

Before her husband died of a long battle with cancer, June Craig made him a promise.

The former bookbinder pledged to raise as much money as she could in the fight against the disease in honour of husband Abbie, who fought bladder cancer for nine years.

Now, 15 years on, Perth native June has just surpassed the £100,000 mark.

Despite preparing to celebrate turning 73 next month – and having faced her own cancer battle – June has no intention of stopping raising cash for those most in need.

Her latest effort raised £2,400 for the Breast Cancer Screening Unit at Ninewells.

That is a cause very close to June’s heart as she has been battling breast cancer for five years.

June said: “I have had a lumpectomy and 15 radium treatments but that hasn’t stopped me raising money for a host of good causes.

“Muscular dystrophy, kidney dialysis, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Ninewells Breast Cancer Unit are just some of the charities that I have raised money for.

“My late husband, Abbie, battled cancer for nine years before he passed away.

“I nursed him and made a promise to him that I would do all in my power to raise money to combat cancer and aid other good causes.”

June and Abbie’s granddaughter, Janey, sang at Abbie’s funeral and the talented singer then released a CD, with all money raised going to a cancer charity.

Since then, through a variety of events, mostly held in Perth Ex-Service Club, June has raised her remarkable total.

Thanks to June’s fundraising efforts, she has even been recognised by the Queen.

Last year, she was presented with the British Empire Medal at an official ceremony at the city’s council chambers.

The honour was handed over by Lord Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross Brigadier Melville Jameson with Provost Liz Grant also attending.

June was nominated by her friends and her daughter and said she was totally oblivious.

June remains very modest about her achievements and is keen to praise all those who have helped her over the years.

She added: “Folk have been very generous and I have had great support from people giving me stuff for the prize draws.

“Perth Ex-Service Club committee members Andy Murray and Rab Dunn have been on this journey every step of the way and I am so grateful to them.

“When I started fundraising I never knew it would get to such a total.

“Now I intend keeping going. After all, I made a promise to Abbie.”

I intend keeping going. After all, I made a promise to Abbie. JUNE CRAIG

Fundraising stalwart June Craig has raised more than £100,000 for charities to fight the disease.