Neil takes on The MoonWalk Scotland in honour of his treasured mother-in-law Madge

On a training walk with Margaret MacLeod

“Not long before the pandemic, my wonderful mother-in-law Madge Wilson was diagnosed with breast cancer. She’s a really treasured part of our family – and quite a character – so the news came as a real shock. Luckily her cancer journey was very straightforward. She discovered a lump and was seen very quickly, then had really good treatment and at the end, a positive outcome. Madge is now almost 84 and one of the most caring people you could ever meet. She’s recovered really well. I’ll be taking on the Full Moon (26.2 miles) at The MoonWalk Scotland on 11th June, in honour of her and to say thank you for the fact that she’s still with us.

I was also motivated to sign up by my good friend Margaret Macleod, who has taken part in The MoonWalk for many years – she really is an inspiration and a fantastic human being.

Before Madge was diagnosed, I was very much aware of The MoonWalk. What gave me the final push to sign up, was some MoonWalk posters, which my wife Julie saw at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, when she was sat there with Madge, feeling very nervous. Money raised by The MoonWalk Scotland has helped fund a number of projects at the Western General, including a new breast cancer ward and operating theatre, as well as the renovation of the mammography unit.

At the age of 59, this will be my very first walking marathon – I’m normally a runner and have completed a number of ultra-marathons! I know that walking will be a totally different experience to what I’m used to and it will be a real challenge for me. I’ll be following the special training plan which Walk the Walk sends and I’m planning to get out on a number of long walks with Margaret.

I originally signed up for The MoonWalk Scotland in 2020, but the event was postponed due to the pandemic and I can’t wait to get to the starting line. I’m very proud to be taking part as a man – not everyone is aware that men can do The MoonWalk. And after all, men do get breast cancer too.

I won’t put pressure on myself on the night – I just want to enjoy it! I’m expecting there to be a real buzz, with all the walkers helping each other along. In terms of completing the distance, I don’t really know what to expect, as it’s a very different challenge for me, but I’m hoping that I’ll be ok. When the going gets tough, I’ll just readjust and set myself some new goals.

The money and awareness raised by all of the MoonWalkers will really add up and potentially make a huge difference to anyone affected by breast cancer - just like our very own Madge.”

My treasured mother-in-law Madge

Thank you for sharing your story Neil and we look forward to seeing you at The MoonWalk Scotland 2022!

Sign up now for The MoonWalk Scotland LIVE or Virtual as a Walker or Volunteer!