Bereaved mother takes on Maggie's Night Hike challenge in memory of her brave daughter

Jul 18 2012 EXCLUSIVE by Emma Smith

Maggie's Cancer Centre Tina Morrison Image 1

A MUM is taking part in the Maggie’s Night Hike challenge in memory of her brave daughter who lost her battle with cervical cancer this year.

Tina Morrison, 61, will do the trek with husband John and son Scott as a tribute to Lisa, who passed away in February, aged just 34.

Maggie’s Cancer Centre, in the West End, offered support to Tina and her husband while their daughter was going through treatment at The Beatson at Gartnavel Hospital.

Tina, of Drymen, near Glasgow, said: “Before the Maggie’s Centre opened at Gartnavel Hospital, my husband and I used to just sit and wait in the car while Lisa was having blood transfusions or chemotherapy.

“It was a really difficult time and there was nowhere that we could go. Lisa was diagnosed with cervical cancer in September 2010 and the Maggie’s Centre didn’t open until the following October.

“As soon as it opened, my husband and I stepped through the doors and immediately felt welcome. There was nothing clinical about it and everyone was so friendly. It had such a calming atmosphere.”

Sadly, Lisa herself was not able to experience the sanctuary of the Maggie’s Centre as she was too weak after treatment and often would not get out the hospital until very late.

Tina added: “Lisa was a fantastic person. She was always smiling and was determined to raise funds for Maggie’s.

“She was the most genuine girl and she always tried to stay positive. Even when she lost her hair, she tried to make a joke about it.

“She asked her dad to shave her head. He tried to make light of the situation by making her laugh and said it was just like sheep shearing.

"This Saturday would have been her birthday and we all really miss her.

“Just before she died, she organised the Big Shindig, with her friend Libby, in her home town. It raised £10,200 for the charity. She wanted to help Maggie’s as she could see how much it had helped her dad and I.

“I know when we hit rock bottom that there is support there. I also did fundraising work for Macmillan Cancer Support as they helped Lisa too.”

Tina will take part in Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre’s third annual Night Hike on Friday, September 7.

She said: “I want to help other people and raise awareness of Maggie’s so that people know there is support available to them.”

Glasgow’s Night Hike was held for the first time in 2010. A total of 365 people took part in last year’s event, raising £76,000 for Maggie’s.

To find out more about Maggie’s, go to www.maggiescentres.org/nighthike