Beatson Cancer Charity: Helensburgh man to swim Jersey coast

Gary Potter, 43, will be one of three people taking part in the 42-mile challenge at the end of July in honour of his friend, Donna Hicks.

Donna was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2014, an incurable bone marrow cancer.

Each member of the relay swim team will complete just under 15 miles, equal to about 1,000 lengths of a swimming pool. They hope to finish the entire coast in less than 18 hours.

Gary - who has raised more than £1,300 already - said: “Donna was the driving factor behind choosing to fund-raise for Beatson Cancer Charity, but there have been quite a few other reasons, too.

“We know someone who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and one of our key suppliers was diagnosed with cancer and he’s been told he only has a couple of years left.

'Get involved'

“He was very touched to hear that I was doing this for Beatson Cancer Charity because he’s had a lot of care and support from you guys.

“My daughter and Donna’s daughter are thick as thieves, the two of them have gone through nursery together, school and dancing - so we know Donna and the family well and try and get involved in various fund-raisers as much as we can.”

Gary said he has done similar challenges but not for charity. He hopes it will support more people with cancer through the Beatson.

He said: “I’ve done a couple of crazy challenges over the years and each time I’ve done it, I’ve always kind of regretted not being organised beforehand to do a bit of fund-raising.

“I just think ‘why am I putting myself through this without trying to give somebody some sort of benefit?’"

Gary flies to Jersey on July 26 with the aim of the swim on July 28, weather allowing. The other two swimmers are a mum and daughter from Throntonhall fund-raising separately.

He added: "I’ve got to the age now that I’m in my 40s where 10 or 15 years ago, you were aware of cancer, of course you were – but it was people’s aunties and grans.

“If I can do something separately to help out a bit then I will - I’ve got to that age where you start knowing people first-hand that are being diagnosed with cancer or are recovering from it.

'Cancer touches all ages'

“I’m very conscious that cancer touches all ages, but it was just that kind of feeling that there wasn’t really anybody that close to me that I was aware of - but certainly over the last few years it’s become more and more at the forefront of my mind.”

Maisie McCormick, community fund-raising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are very grateful to Gary for his support – this is an incredible challenge to take on, I was flabbergasted when I heard about it from Donna.

“His fund-raising will help us to support so many patients and families across Glasgow and the west.

“We’re excited to hear all about Gary’s challenge once he’s returned home safely.”

Visit Gary's JustGiving page to support his cause.