Couple will repay charity with walk

Apr 28 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A MARRIED couple who lost their previous spouses to cancer will take on a fundraising walk to raise money for the charity that supported both of them.

Peter and Jacquelin Goldie, from Ballintuim, have been supporters of Macmillan Cancer Support since their partners were helped by the charity after being diagnosed with cancer.

Now the East Perthshire duo are planning to embark on a fundraising walk in Dunkeld on May 10 to raise even more money for the charity.

Peter, whose first wife Linda died from ovarian cancer in 2004, said: “Both myself and Jacquelin are very aware of the fantastic support Macmillan gives to people who have cancer and to their families.

“Linda had lots of help from a Macmillan nurse who offered her emotional support as well as helping us deal with practical problems like getting the right government benefits and organising a disabled badge for the car. Macmillan also helped me cope with my grief by helping me access a support group.”

Jacquelin, whose husband Neil died in 1991 from deep vein thrombosis caused by his pancreatic cancer, added: “When Neil was diagnosed with cancer in 1990 we had a visit from a Macmillan nurse who came in to find out how she could help.

“She helped with practical problems like getting Neil get a special seat that helped him stay comfortable despite his pain.

“I’ve always remembered that help because it meant so much to us at that time. When Peter and I heard Macmillan were asking people to take part in fundraising walks we knew we had to get involved because we know how valuable Macmillan’s help is.”

Jacquelin, now 59, and Peter, now 65, met in June 2007, when within days of each other they decided to join a dating website. They chatted online for just two days before deciding to meet.

The duo found they had lots in common and they both say the shared experience of having lost a spouse to cancer helped them connect.

Peter and Jacquelin got engaged just five months after meeting and married in July 2008. And on their wedding day the couple chose to raise money for Macmillan by asking people to donate cash to the charity rather than give them presents.

And now the couple are planning to embark on a seven-mile walk from Dunkeld to Atholl Woods on May 10 to raise even more money for Macmillan.

The charity hopes to raise £150,000 from fundraising walks taking place across Scotland this year.

Director of Macmillan Cancer Support, Elspeth Atkinson, said: “We are very grateful for the huge amount of support Peter and Jacquelin have given us and continue to give us.

“ I’m sure they’re have a great time on their walk and I would urge people across Scotland to join them.”

For details visit www.macmillan.org.uk/walking or call 0131 2670 3720.