A GLASGOW dad whose partner was treated for cancer is taking the plunge as part of a 30k charity challenge.
Fitness blogger Stephen Morrison is tackling the gruelling distance as part of Swimathon 2023 to raise money for charities Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.
Stephen, 50, was inspired to take on the challenge by his partner Dr Teresa Inkster, who was previously diagnosed with follicular lymphoma.
The couple, who have two boys, Danny, 18, and Jack, 16, are relieved that after treatment Teresa, a microbiologist, is enjoying a good quality of life again – but admit it has been a tough few years.
Stephen, from Battlefield, said: “We are so grateful for the treatment that gave Teresa her life back and we understand all too clearly why events such as Swimathon are so important.
“In June 2017, Teresa had a swollen belly and stomach pain. At first her GP thought it was problems with her gut and nothing to worry about, but the pain didn’t go away and by June it had got so bad that she decided to go to hospital. They did blood tests and found an abnormality.
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“Within 24 hours, scans had discovered she had follicular lymphoma and there were cancer cells in her leg, groin, chest, neck, armpit and lymph nodes. Teresa was very stoic, me not so much. It felt like my world had come crashing down around me.
“Jack was just 11 and Danny 13 at the time. The staff at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital were amazing and they explained everything to us about the survival rates and possible outcomes, and reassured us they would do everything they possibly could.
“I remember going for a walk in the park and crying at the thought of losing Teresa.”
An intensive course of chemotherapy started immediately - and Teresa responded well. However, two years later in 2019, a scan showed more treatment was needed and Teresa had radiotherapy. While not a regular swimmer, Teresa found keeping physically active helped aid her recovery.
Stephen said: “We always loved to travel and see the world, but now we go away even more often.
“We just want to enjoy life while we can and it is because of the amazing work that is carried out by Cancer Research UK that outlooks for patients are changing all the time.”
Now Stephen is calling on other Scots to make a splash too and take part in the world’s largest annual fundraising swim for the two much-loved causes.
Swimathon takes place from May 12 to 14 at pools and venues across Scotland. With a variety of distances available - from 400m up to 30.9k - the sponsored event offers a challenge for swimmers young and old, new and experienced.
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People can participate individually or as part of a team from April 28 to May 21, and choose a time and venue that suits them.
Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, Lisa Adams, said: “There are also lots of great benefits to taking part, not least the chance to enjoy the water while supporting people like Stephen. Our scientists have been at the forefront of cancer research for 120 years and that’s why we’re urging swimmers to dive in, raise money and help us keep making new discoveries and breakthroughs.”
Sign up for Swimathon 2023 at swimathon.org
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