Climbing a mountain that’s over 1,000m is no mean feat, especially if you’ve had surgery for lung cancer and you’re 79. But that’s exactly what Jim Robertson did, a man with a real zest for life. He wanted to share his lung cancer story to show losing part of your lung doesn’t need to stop you from living your life.
Facing the Diagnosis
I was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2012. I had surgery that April, but soon after, I developed pneumonia. I spent nearly three weeks in hospital before I was finally allowed home. Once I recovered, I began four weeks of radiotherapy.
It was a dramatic, exhausting time that left me stunned. I thought, “I’ve lost half my right lung — that must mean I’ve only got three-quarters of my breathing left.” But that wasn’t true.
Finding Strength Again
After finishing treatment, I joined a Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation support group at my local hospital. That’s where I heard about the Move More programme — an initiative to help people with lung cancer get active again.
I signed up for a personalised fitness plan, created just for me. It included gentle exercises on gym equipment, all under the guidance of Hazel Ednie, the programme coordinator. Hazel monitored my progress and offered constant encouragement.
I started going three times a week, but the programme is flexible — you can go at your own pace or even follow seated exercises at home.
The Benefits of Moving More
When you’ve gone through something as traumatic as lung cancer, it’s easy to feel low. But exercise changes that. It lifts your mood, clears your mind, and gives you energy again.
I felt more alive and motivated than I had in months — and I even lost over a stone in weight!
Reaching a Lifelong Goal
For many people, going to the gym or playing regular rounds of golf after lung cancer treatment is a huge achievement. But I had an even bigger goal — literally.
When I was a child, I saw Schiehallion, one of Scotland’s most iconic hills, from across Rannoch Moor. I’d always dreamed of climbing it again. After my recovery, I wanted to prove that it’s possible to achieve something incredible, even after lung cancer.
Climbing Schiehallion
I climbed Schiehallion with my stepdaughter, while my wife and stepson-in-law made it halfway up. The conditions were tough — heavy rain, poor visibility, and rocky ground that tested my balance.
I took regular breaks to check my pulse and control my breathing, but everything went according to plan. It took eight and a half hours to complete the climb, and to my surprise, I had no aches or pains afterwards.
That’s thanks to the tailored training advice I received beforehand. It prepared my muscles perfectly for the challenge.
Keep Moving, No Matter What
My climb proved something important: lung cancer doesn’t have to hold you back.
You can stay active — at your own pace, in your own way.
Sometimes that might mean short walks or chair exercises. Other times, it could be something ambitious, like hiking a mountain. Whatever it is, any activity helps. You’ll feel better physically and mentally, and research suggests it can even aid recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.
How to Get Active
Start small. Visit our Get Active page for gentle exercises to help you begin. Your lung cancer nurse or doctor can also recommend physical activity programmes in your area.
Set a Goal
If you feel well enough — and your doctor agrees — set yourself a challenge. Train for a fundraising walk, cycle, or run with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
Your body will thank you, and you’ll help support vital lung cancer research at the same time.