AN “INSPIRING” blind cancer sufferer from Dundee has received a wave of support after he successfully swam across the Tay to raise funds for the charity that supported him, writes Debbie Kerr.

Alan Wilson (56) undertook the challenge yesterday morning as a thank-you to the Macmillan Cancer Support nurses who treated him through the worst periods of his illness.

He endured a strong current and cold temperatures but fought through to complete the swim.

Last night an exhausted Mr Wilson told The Courier how pleased he was to have completed the mammoth task.

“It was quite hard because the current was trying to take me away and I had to struggle hard against it.

“It was difficult, I have been training hard but it really took it out of me.

“I am completely knackered now. But the important thing is that I did make it across—I swam the Tay.

“It is for a great cause and I’m very happy I’ve done it.

“The Macmillan people have always been so good to me and I wanted to say thank you.”

Mr Wilson, from Charleston, is registered blind and was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach and bowel four years ago.

Despite the debilitating effects of chemotherapy he has been in intensive training for six months at the Olympia leisure centre.

The inspiring story, featured in yesterday’s Courier, has prompted a number of donations to the charity Mr Wilson was collecting money for.

Gordon Small, president of Dundee Rotary Club, said he was immediately touched by Mr Wilson’s fund-raising efforts.

Mr Small said, “The Dundee Rotary Club have invited him to a special lunch on September 11 where we will present him with a donation for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“When I read the story in The Courier, I just thought this man was absolutely amazing.

“This is the kind of thing the Rotary Club wants to recognise, not just for his bravery and his achievement but for his dedication to raise money for charity.

“It is a great human story; it is really inspiring.”

Shirley Millar, area fund-raising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, said they were delighted to see Mr Wilson’s swim had struck a chord with so many people.

She said, “It is wonderful that other people have called in after Alan’s swim.

“It is lovely for him and it is good for the charity too.

“Most of all we are delighted for Alan—it is an amazing achievement for somebody not only blind but dealing with cancer.

“It is an amazing achievement and he is just so self-effacing.”

Mr Wilson was accompanied by his guide dog Urwin and two sailors who directed him from a boat across the mile-and-a- quarter between Broughty Ferry and Tayport.

Mr Wilson lost his sight in an industrial accident in 1993 while working as a design engineer in Germany for Mercedes Benz.

He was dealt another cruel hand when he was diagnosed with cancer in November 2004 and had to undergo numerous operations—leaving him close to death on several occasions.

It is too early to say how much money has been raised, but one local business has already donated £5000.

Numerous charity boxes have also been distributed around supermarkets and pubs across the city.

Mr Wilson, who is planning a restful weekend following his physical exertion, said he is delighted to have helped such a worthwhile cause and is appreciative of all the support he has received.

“I do feel proud of myself in my own way.

“It has taken me 18 months to train and I am so proud that I finally did it.

“Being blind is a challenge in my life every day and this was a challenge too—but I got through it.

“I have done it for people who are living with an illness and have to cope with it every day.”

Anyone who would like to donate to Macmillan in aid of Mr Wilson’s campaign can call on 01382 226150.