In January, 52-year-old Lynne McKenzie marked 10 years since she received lifesaving surgery to cure her of breast cancer.
And the Perth native overcame another mountainous challenge recently by climbing to the peak of Ben Nevis to give back to the Macmillan charity that supported her through the toughest of times.
The studio manager of Inspire Dance Studio was joined on the climb by daughter Ailsa (16) and colleague Brooke Robertson, while fellow colleague Kerry Moloney didn’t climb but came along for moral support.
Dan from Mad4Mountains and his adventurous dog Rocky helped guide the trio to the top.
On the afternoon of Sunday, May 7 Lynne reached the summit of the UK’s highest point – at 4413m – and took in the stunning view.
“It was a brilliant feeling – because I didn’t know at that point how hard going down was going to be!” said cancer survivor Lynne.
“I was quite relieved we made it. We left Perth at 7am and I think we started the climb at 9.30am.
“We got back down at about 6pm so it took quite a while.
“But we got a beautiful day and had really good views.
“We stopped a few times both ways – it was hard.
“But Dan came with us from Mad4Mountains and we couldn’t have got up without him to be honest. He just kept saying ‘you’ll be fine, you’ll get there’.
“I was fine going up but coming down I fell and skinned my knee and had a few bruises on my legs.
“But I am very chuffed we managed it.”
Lynne was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2012 and was fearful she would not see her children and grandchildren grow up.
She underwent chemotherapy the next month before vital surgery in January 2013 and radiotherapy in March 2013 saved her life.
She started a JustGiving page last month and has smashed her fundraising target, of £500, with £875.
Lynne said she was “chuffed” with her total and gave a thank you to all those who have donated so far.
The money will go towards Cornhill Macmillan Centre, which is a purpose-built Specialist Palliative Care Unit at Perth Royal Infirmary staffed by a dedicated team.
Services are provided for people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses and are managed by NHS Tayside with ongoing support and involvement from Macmillan Cancer Support.
Calling the care she received from the NHS and Macmillan “outstanding”, she explained: “I told my friends that I wanted to do something challenging to raise money for Macmillan Cornhill Centre.
“They have fantastic support for so many people with cancer, including me.
“I feel so lucky that I am still here today, watching all my children and grandchildren grow up.
“I am feeling lucky as when I first got diagnosed I just thought the worst and didn’t think I would be here at this point.
“I had a friend that went through it at the same time as me and we both used to go up there just for the support.
“They did nice things for us, like get your nails done for instance, and because it is local.
“It was really good that we climbed Ben Nevis and we all felt very proud of ourselves at the end of it.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lynne-mckenzie to donate.
