'Grateful' father and sons raise over £10k for cancer centre after mum's shock diagnosis

A family has raised over £10,000 completing various endurance challenges, including a 110km ultra marathon, following their mum’s cancer diagnosis.

Richard Muir, from Midlothian, and his sons Murray and Ramsay decided to fundraise after witnessing the dedication and compassion their mum, Mary, received while being treated for advanced ovarian cancer twice in the last six years.

“I remember the day like it was yesterday when Mary was told ‘you’ve got cancer’”, said Richard. “For Mary who had never had a day’s illness in her life, the impact of those three words was life changing.

“For Murray, Ramsay and me, the gravity of those three words and how they shape your everyday thoughts is difficult to put into words, they are with you every day.”

Murray Muir after completing his ultra-marathon | NHS Lothian Charity

It was May 2020 and the country was in lockdown during the Covid pandemic. But the NHS supported the family from the get go and “kicked into action immediately”, said Richard.

“Two operations, time in hospital, chemotherapy, course of drug treatments over four years and regular meetings with Rachel Nirsimloo, Mary’s oncologist, saw her clear of cancer,” he said.

In December last year, Mary’s cancer returned, requiring another operation and six more chemotherapy sessions.

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“The same wonderful level and standard of care was delivered at the ERI and from Rachel and her team at the cancer centre,” said Richard.

The family said they knew they wanted to “give something back” and decided to take on a series of gruelling endurance challenges to raise money to support research into the disease.

The trio have since completed a HYROX fitness challenge, a 100km cycling challenge and a 110km ultra marathon through the Scottish Highlands, raising a total of £10,496.29 for the Edinburgh Cancer Centre Research Fund, which works to improve treatment and outcomes for cancer patients across the Lothian region and beyond.

The Muir family photographed with a cheque following their fundraising efforts | NHS Lothian Charity

“Murray, Ramsay and I were so grateful for the care and expertise that had helped and supported Mary, it was an easy decision to try and give something back in whatever way we could to support research into ovarian cancer,” said Richard.

“Even with all the effort and a bit of pain, it was always the right thing to be doing not just for the fundraising, but as a massive thankyou to all that work to help others through these very difficult times.”

The family said they wanted to raise money to "give something back" to the NHS following their mum's diagnosis | NHS Lothian Charity

“Many of our wider family and friends supported us in all the challenges, and to the many who donated to our Just Giving Charity pages, we are truly so grateful for their generosity in supporting this wonderful charity.”

Rachel Nirsimloo, Mary’s oncologist, said: “Richard, Murray and Ramsay's fundraising achievement is both extraordinary and deeply touching.

“Having experienced first-hand the impact of an ovarian cancer diagnosis within their family, they have chosen to channel that experience into raising funds that will benefit future patients.

“Their generosity will help support research that is essential to advancing cancer care and improving outcomes for people affected by cancer. We are immensely thankful for their support and congratulate them on completing such impressive challenges."