We know that lung cancer survival rates are shockingly poor but things are improving. With the help of new treatments, patients can live well with lung cancer for longer. David Mackenzie knows this first hand. When his uncle was diagnosed with lung cancer he was given 18-24 months to live. Five years on, he’s still here.
“My uncle has never smoked so when he was diagnosed with lung cancer we were all completely shocked.
He had a persistent cough which lasted for several months. He was just 51 years old at the time so the GP didn’t think it was anything more sinister than a chest infection. He was prescribed antibiotics but it didn’t shift it. Tests then revealed the truth – terminal lung cancer.
At this time he was told he had 18-24 months to live. That was in 2013 and since then he’s had various treatments, all with amazing positivity.
Since my uncle’s diagnosis, my family and I have used Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation as a much needed source of information. We have gained much comfort from knowing support is there should it be required.
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation has provided David and his family with the necessary information and support
As well as my uncle, I guess my mum is one of the main reasons I’m running the London Marathon for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. She has raised money for the charity before, running the Great North Run in 2014. She’s inspired me to also do something to help raise money and awareness for this brilliant charity who helps save lives.
The London Marathon has always been on my bucket list. I originally entered the ballot place but was unsuccessful. There was then no question which charity I wanted to represent and run for.
Since my uncle’s diagnosis, my family and I have used Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation as a much needed source of information. We have gained much comfort from knowing support is there should it be required.
This is, hands down, the biggest challenge I’ve taken on. I’m a keen runner and enjoy going to the gym. I play football and my job keeps me pretty fit too (I’m a tree surgeon for Mid Devon District Council) but still training is tough.
I try to run two or three times a week with at least one of those runs being 10 miles or more. I’m really lucky that I have a canal on my doorstep which is ideal to run along.
When I’m not running, I’m in the gym either cycling or doing some endurance weight training just to try and tone up my general fitness. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so I want to make the most out of it. It’s a pretty cool feeling knowing I’ll be able to watch it in the future and say “I’ve completed that!”
