An Airdrie-based hillwalking pensioner is set to do an 80-mile walk in the Great Glen Way to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK after his brother and his friend were diagnosed with the disease.
Hugh Samson has decided to do the Great Glen Way on June 28 over seven days, including wild camping, after his brother, William Samson, and his mate, Peter Douglas, were diagnosed with prostate cancer within months of each other last year.
The 74-year-old is hoping to smash his target goal of £1000 for Prostate Cancer UK as he looks to raise awareness and funds for the charity.
He said: “I used to go walking every weekend with Peter, but since he got prostate cancer, we have had to take it a bit easier and go on flatter walks.
“I have never met a more positive guy in my life, despite him having to deal with whatever has been thrown at him.
“I told both of them that I was doing it for them, and they were chuffed.
“I hope everyone can support me, to help support the people closest to me going through this horrible illness as there are other families going through the heartache we are watching our loved ones fight this battle against prostate cancer.“
The pensioner is no stranger to long walks, having previously raised £3000 for Alzheimer Scotland in 2018 by doing the Cleveland Way, a 120-mile trek.
Despite having done that and the 268-mile Pennine Way through England and into Scotland, Hugh admits that with his age, it will be more of a challenge.
He added: “This will be my first big walk since Covid. I’m not nervous at all, because I am a very positive person.
“I have done a lot of walks, including the west highland way, and I have always wanted to do this one. When my brother and my best mate got prostate cancer, I decided it was time to do it for them.
“I go hillwalking every weekend to get my body strengthened and conditioned. I am a wee bit older now, so I won’t be going as fast as I used to.
“I am a good Christian guy, and that’s the reason I do these walks, it’s to help people.”
Hugh has already raised an impressive £350, but he still has a couple of months to smash his target on the JustGiving website.
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