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A BRAVE Perth woman has raised hundreds of pounds for Perth’s new cancer care unit after she was struck by the disease.
Sandie Torrie was diagnosed with breast cancer last September and, following a successful operation in October, was determined to do something positive to help others in the same boat.
The 62-year-old raised over £700 during a sponsored walk of the West Highland Way.
She yesterday handed over the cash during a visit to the £3.75 million unit being built by Macmillan in the grounds of Perth Royal Infirmary.
Cancer sufferers presen-tly have to travel to Dundee for treatment, and the new unit—at the former Cornhill House site—is set to cut out much of the stress such a trip entails.
Final approval for construction of the palliative care centre was given in May.
Mrs Torrie admits being struck by cancer was a terrifying experience and is delighted to see work beginning on the unit.
Although the thought of walking 96 miles was daunting, she thoroughly enjoyed her trip along the West Highland Way.
“It was just a magic experience,” Mrs Torrie said.
“A group of four of us —myself, my daughter- in-law, her mother and a friend—did it together and it was a great laugh.
“Obviously we all know each other pretty well so we were able to help each other out along the way.”
They undertook the walk over a week in May—and were blessed with distinctly un-Scottish weather.
“The weather was brilliant throughout and we got braw tans,” Mrs Torrie said.
“We stayed in various bunk houses and believe it or not never saw a single midgie, which was a real bonus.
“The atmosphere on the walk was amazing although parts of it were really hard.”
Mrs Torrie hopes her contribution to the cancer care unit will ultimately help to make a telling difference.
“I decided to raise cash for the project after I had breast cancer myself.
“It just made me think about the number of people who may need a place like this some day.
“I think the new unit will be great for Perth and I am delighted to be able to help out,” Mrs Torrie added.
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