Tumour shock inspires Hamilton man to take on mammoth Hampden to Wembley marathon

Although the 26-year-old runs marathons every weekend, he has been gifted a new lease of life.

“I just think that nothing can be as much of a challenge for me now as what last year was. I’m feeling very fortunate,” he said.

READ MORE: Glasgow homeless found 'trembling and shaking' on streets during Storm Darcy

Alex’s perception of life changed in August last year after medics found a tumour located on a nerve on his lower back. After weeks of scans and one biopsy, the tumour – which is six centimetres in size – was revealed to be non-cancerous.

Alex, from Hamilton, said: “After a 30-mile run I urinated blood for three days, so I went to see a doctor.

“Three weeks later, they gave me an MRI scan which was meant to determine whether or not I had cancer. After three weeks, medics told me that they had never seen anything like this before.

“At this point, I started to panic as they are medical professionals.

“Eventually, they had to put a needle through my spine to see if the tumour was cancerous. Luckily, the samples came back and the doctors confirmed to me that I didn’t have cancer.”

READ MORE: Covid Glasgow: How many fines were handed out in your area last week

Unfortunately, the result that Alex was hoping for wasn’t the end of his journey. He was told that he could need surgery – which would affect his ability to run – if he begins to suffer from physical pain.

He added: “That came as a big shock to me, but during this time I ran the Boston Marathon virtually as it was cancelled overseas due to Covid.

“As all this happened I realised that so many people get tumours throughout our lives. You just don’t know what is around the corner.

“It has changed my whole life and my views on life. I have been fortunate and want to give back.”

As the inspiring young man prepares to take on the mammoth 390-mile marathon, he’s bidding to coin in £50,000 for a cause close to his heart.

“The reason for this run and the reason why I’m doing a fundraiser is to contribute to building a new community centre at the heart of Glasgow Green.

“The centre will provide a vital service for all underprivileged kids in Glasgow and surrounding areas. This will be a centre for sport, health, education and well being for every child in need.”

The Glasgow Times understands Finnart Football Academy, based in Bridgeton, is currently in talks with Glasgow Life about securing vacant land at Glasgow Green to establish a community facility.

If it is given the go-ahead, the academy said the premises will rolled be out for full community use – with bingo nights, kids parties, after school’s clubs and sports coaching.

Alex, who also has his own plumbing business, added: “Doing something like this will take the financial pressure off the group in terms of building the centre. It will cost a lot – definitely more than £50,000 anyway – but hopefully any cash raised can ease the pressure. It has been hard as the group haven’t been able to fundraise as much in the past year due to Covid.

“Any funds raised will go into a separate account for the building of the community centre.”

So far, Alex has raised almost £5000. He said: “It will be hard but the way I see it is that I cope fine with physical pain. Last year was tough. You either thrive under pressure or succumb to it and I normally thrive, so I wanted to aim high with the challenge. I just can’t wait to arrive on time for kick-off at Wembley, then to sit and enjoy the Scotland v England game.”

A Glasgow Life spokeswoman said: “Finnart AFC has a long history of working with communities in the east end of Glasgow and in partnership with Glasgow Life.

“Discussions are taking place with the club regarding their aspirations to re-purpose a bowling green at Glasgow Green into a new facility. We wish Alex every success with his fundraising efforts.”

To donate, visit HERE.