Councillor reveals 'shock' after being told he only has up to four years left to live
Tom Weatherston is opening up on his cancer journey to highlight the help available - and encourage more people to get checked...
Last updated 29th Apr 2025
A long-serving member of Scottish Borders Council's ruling administration has announced he has terminal cancer.
Tom Weatherston, who represents Kelso and District, has been told he only has between two and four years left to live.
The 68-year-old hopes going public with his life-changing diagnosis will highlight the help available - and encourage more people to get checked.
He's been speaking to Greatest Hits Radio at the launch of a new service offering people in the Borders living with the disease - and their families - emotional, practical and financial support.
"I'm lucky," he said. "I've got a good family network to support me and we've got a plan going forward; I'm going to be positive and try to do as much as I can.
"Other folk aren't quite so lucky. Many folk are on their own, and this service will be a huge improvement to them - getting the help and support and guidance through this difficult time.
"Because it isn't all about health care. Up until recently, there wasn't really a service to help you with all the problems you could have with having to give up work and not having an income."
But the Conservative councillor added: "It's difficult for men to get a prostate check. (Recently diagnosed Olympian) Chris Hoy's trying very, very hard to get men on the same sort of level as women with breast tests, and I hope he succeeds. But I'm hoping, with me speaking out about it, men will think: 'Oh hang on the now, maybe I should get a test?'"
It's estimated around 70 people in the Borders are diagnosed with cancer every month, with around 5,900 people in the region currently living with the disease.
By 2030, one in two of us can expect to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lives.
However, it's hoped the Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) service announced today will help people like Tom by providing one-to-one, tailored support.
That could include facilitating additions to their homes - or finding them new ones; childcare or accessing funds; as well as putting them in touch with local support groups like the Lavender Touch and Borders Carers Centre.
Delivered by Macmillan and the Scottish Borders Health and Social Care Partnership, the free service is available to anyone living in the Borders who is newly diagnosed with cancer, whether they are receiving their treatment locally, at the Western General in Edinburgh or elsewhere.
Councillor Weatherston, who is the local authority's Executive Member for Social Work and Inclusion, revealed he was diagnosed shortly before Christmas last year.
"I got a shock at the time," he recalled. "I started off with really sore ribs. I suffered it for a few months and then eventually I had to go to the doctor, and the doctor right away said: 'Tom, this could be something more sinister.'
"He sent me for blood tests and that's when they discovered I had prostate cancer. But then, after several scans, they discovered it had spread to my bones."
But he added: "I think this will be a fantastic service. Other local authorities have done it for quite a long time, and it's very successful. And it also frees up hospital staff to concentrate on what they're meant to do."
It's hoped the launch of the new service will help transform cancer support in the Borders.
Gordon McLean, Devolved Nations Manager and Nations Lead (Scotland) for Macmillan, said: “Cancer has a huge impact on every aspect of people's lives and many people tell us they don't know where to turn for help. This new service should make sure everyone with cancer and their families and carers in the Borders have someone to call on for help. "
For more information about the service, including how to make a referral, visit: www.scotborders.gov.uk/icj
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