Glaswegians brave downpours for Maggies

Oct 30 2008 By Peter Carroll

HUNDREDS of Glaswegians braved the weekend's wild weather to help raise money for a good cause.

More than 350 people took to the city streets on Saturday to take part in a 10-mile scenic trek around Glasgow to raise cash for the Maggie's Glasgow Centre and mark its sixth anniversary.

The walkers started off in Kelvingrove Park and took in the sights of the city including Glasgow Cathedral and The People's Palace before crossing the finishing line outside the centre at the Western Infirmary.

It is hoped the charity walk, now in its third year, will raise more than the £35,000 gathered so far for Maggie's Glasgow, one of five Scottish centres providing advice and support for people diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Cardonald woman Linda Tomlinson, 47, first took part in last year's Maggie's Glasgow Walk For Life. She was diagnosed with breast cancer soon after and now uses the centre herself.

The mum-of-two, now in remission, said: "When I started using Maggie's I was quite shy. Going to the centre has changed me. Because I am so passionate about it, every time I went to the hospital I would tell the people sitting next to visit Maggie's.

"I knew what a difference it was making for me and wanted others to experience that too."

Jenni Keenan Green, who plays Heather Bradshaw in River City, also joined the walk in memory of her friend Sheila Hughes, a leading advocate and Maggie's speaker, who died this year.

Jenni said: "So many families in Scotland have been touched by cancer. I know mine certainly has and the help and support provided by Maggie's is invaluable.

I walked with my mum and her friends in memory of Sheila, who did so much work for Maggie's."

The walk was sponsored by Maggie's corporate supporters, property consultants Ryden, which announced the company has raised £30,000 for the centre in 2008.

Claire Noel, Maggie's Glasgow Life Walk event manger, said: "Everyone who took part picked up their medals and a slice of cake at the finishing point."

For further information visit: www.maggiescentres.org