Grieving husband tells of wife’ s battle

The heartbroken husband of Dundee cancer campaigner Ruth Johnson has shared her devastating last words.

Les hopes this deeply personal insight into their final few moments together will let people see how bravely his wife fought “the cruellest of illnesses”.

He also wants it to shed a light on cancer and why he has vowed to fill his wife’s shoes on the board of Business Beats Cancer Dundee.

Ruth, who was 51, was known as Dora to her friends for her love of travel and exploration.

She received a second cancer diagnosis in lockdown after previously dealing with the harsh realities of breast cancer.

But while she was told it was now stage four and incurable she did not want to know what that meant in terms of time.

“I just can’t believe she’s no longer here,” said Les.

“As usual she was thinking of everyone else, not wanting to worry us.

“She was my world... my everything. Without her by my side I am lost, but I’m determined to keep her legacy alive.”

Ruth was born on January 3 1970 in Greenock to parents Robert and Joyce McPherson.

She had a happy childhood and maintained a close friendship with Judith – the daughter of former Rangers and Newcastle United executive Freddie Fletcher.

Ruth recalled: “Judith got a job where I was working at a design agency in Newcastle and she kept going on about how much she thought I’d like her best friend.

“This was more than 20 years ago so we talked on the phone and eventually met up.

“It was an instant connection – we just clicked.”

The pair began dating and not long afterwards Les got down on one knee at the top of the London Eye to propose.

Much to the delight of the watching tourists she said “yes”.

Job opportunities opened up in Scotland for Les first, then Ruth, where she worked as a sales manager for an hotel chain.

The couple married on September 24 2006 at Murrayshall in Perth, where they lived at the time.

They celebrated 15 years of marriage just two months ago when Les surprised Ruth with a Fortnum and Mason hamper full of her favourite treats.

It was four years ago that she was dealt the first blow to her health.

A breast cancer diagnosis meant a gruelling journey through surgery and treatments.

Les said: “She underwent a mastectomy – she lost her hair and was in so much pain.

“It was horrible to watch but she was so brave.

“It was a really tough time but a year later she got the all-clear.”

Hoping for a fresh start they sold their Longforgan house and moved to Maryfield, Dundee.

He added: “That was supposed to be our forever home – we had so many plans together, so much to still do.

“It’s so sad to think I’ll be doing this on my own now, without her.”

Ruth left her job to join Les at his graphic design business, Creative Orange, but lockdown stalled their plans.

Les said: “It was tough financially and on top of that doctors thought Ruth had a slipped disc in her back as she was in severe pain. She went to get scan results and came home in floods of tears.

“That was the day our world collapsed around us.”

It was at that meeting she was told the cancer had returned, spread and was likely at an incurable stage.

Les was at home, sitting at the kitchen table when Ruth returned.

“She walked in and broke down. I was just devastated and then angry anyone should have to hear that without someone to support them... and then make the drive home alone,” he recalled.

What followed next was 18 months of chemotherapy, treatments and a commitment from the couple to get through it together.

Ruth even signed up to be part of Business Beats Cancer Dundee and campaigned to raise funds for research.

Alison Henderson, CEO of Dundee Chamber of Commerce was also part of the BBCD board: “Ruth just had the most amazing ability to draw people in and get them connected.

“She was just a wonderful human whose own life experience she wanted to use to help others.

“She was a brilliant networker, always so positive and passionate. We became close over the last year and enjoyed several outdoor get-togethers.

“I’m desperately sad. She was incredibly special to many people.”

Keeping focused on the future, Les and Ruth continued to make plans.

They loved to travel and hoped for a weekend in their favourite place, Manchester, or a longer trip to the US, where they were regular visitors.

“It just wasn’t meant to be. I did things to cheer her up – like getting the stars of Coronation Street to send her video messages of support – but she started to decline.

“Her breathing weakened and about three weeks ago she left for her chemo session and I got a call saying they felt she was too ill for the treatment and was going to be admitted at Ninewells.”

As Ruth’s condition worsened the confident, funny, woman was starting to struggle with her condition.

Les said: “It was so hard to see my wife’s health decline but I knew I had to be strong for her.” He spoke to the oncologist whose words shocked him: “He explained that Ruth had been asked if she wanted the likely timeframe, but she said she didn’t want that information – no doubt to spare the rest of us.

“Then he said, ‘we’re looking at a few weeks.”

Less than 48 hours later, though, he called back saying they now feared Ruth would not last the weekend.

Les could not understand the dramatic decline and his frustrations only worsened – he was present when her oncologist had to break the news to Ruth.

“I stayed with her constantly but went home on the Monday night so she could rest.

“The phone rang just after midnight on the following morning and I was told to come up immediately.

“I rushed to ward 32 and sat with my arms around her.

“I was asked to step out while the nurses freshened her up – they rushed out 10 minutes later and said, ‘she’s taking her final breaths.’ I was shocked. I still am.”

At 2am on Tuesday November 9 Ruth passed away.

“My beautiful, loving wife died in front of me while I held her hand,” said Les.

“She looked so scared as she gripped my hand so tightly and whispered, ‘I just want to sleep, I just want to sleep’.

“Then minutes later she took her final breath and the love of my life was gone forever.

“I can’t properly express how sad I am. It was such a sad and undignified end to a wonderful life – she did not deserve to leave this world that way.”

Now Les has pledged to carry on her legacy on the board of Business Beats Cancer and has set up a fundraising page in memory of his wife.

He added: “Ruth was exhausted. She fought solidly, both physically and mentally, but the fight must go on to beat this disease. I can’t stop now. I’m going to pick up where she left off.”

Ruth’s funeral on Monday November 29 at 1.30pm in Dundee Crematorium will be followed by a celebration of her life at the Invercarse Hotel.

“It was so hard to see my wife’s health decline but I knew I had to be strong for her