Criffel climb marked David’s cancer recovery

A GROUP of colleagues have climbed Criffel in celebration of a co-worker’s inspiring recovery from cancer.

The 15-strong team from energy network company SGN, based out of the Dumfries depot, swapped their tools for walking boots in support of David McClure, who has made a miraculous recovery after being diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer last year.

They were joined by David’s oncologist at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Gordon Russell, for the 570 metre climb. It was held almost a year to the day of David’s diagnosis.

David, who has worked at SGN for five years, explained: “When I received the news that I had stage 3 lung cancer, I didn’t know what the future would hold. All I knew was that the cancer was aggressive, dangerously close to my heart, and my chances of survival were uncertain.

“However, I was 100 per cent certain that I didn’t want cancer to beat me, and the support I’ve had from Gordon, my family and friends, has been incredible.”

David’s journey has been intense, and last September he received the news that he was eligible for a pioneering trial treatment, which involved a gruelling 12 weeks of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, while he also had part of his lung removed. In March this year, he was given the news that the treatment was successful and the cancer had gone.

Wanting to give back to the people and organisations that had helped him, David and his colleagues set themselves the challenge of climbing Criffel. He continued: “Gordon was adamant that we would mark this occasion together, and I am delighted that we all reached the summit while also raising over £2000 that will be split between Macmillan and the oncology department at the hospital.

“I couldn’t take the steepest route, but completed the climb in two and a half hours. A year ago, I didn’t know where I’d be, so to complete this challenge is incredible.

“It was a monumental day, and I am proud of us all.”

David’s manager, Kevin Wilson, also based in Dumfries, added:

“It’s been inspiring to watch David face this with so much strength and determination.

“Throughout his treatment, his positivity never changed. We’re incredibly proud to have him back working with us, and even more proud to stand alongside him as he took on this climb. It was a very special day for the whole team.”