Peterculter woman beats depression through charity walks

A woman who lost her mum to cancer says that long walks helped her beat depression.

Rachael Murison from Peterculter was diagnosed with the condition following her mum Linda's passing back in 2015.

Ever since then, she's been taking on huge distances, all to raise money for cancer research.

She's even seen her physical health improve as well, losing almost 8 stone along the way.

Rachael, 36, said: “My life has completely changed since I decided to Walk All Over Cancer.

“Mum was so very special and I was diagnosed with depression after losing her. I had no energy and I struggled to walk anywhere at all. I knew something had to change and I had to get fitter. That’s when I started walking and I’ve not looked back.

“When I’m out walking, I think of mum all the time. I tell myself, ‘Don’t stop when you’re tired. Stop when you’re done.’ I’m so active now and I’m even training for my first 26 mile walk. As well as walking, I do boxercise twice a week and I’m always on the go. My dad and even my son come with me on some of my walks so it’s become a real family thing. But it was Mum who inspired me. Now I’m hoping that I’ll inspire others.

“One in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lifetime so I wanted to do something to help raise money in support of Cancer Research UK, a charity that is very close to my heart. Every stride taken and every donation made will help fund the charity’s ground-breaking research.”

It’s been a tough few years for Rachael who lives in Peterculter with her husband Kenny, 45, and their son James, 11. It was a huge shock after Rachael’s mum, Linda Massie was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer on July 9 2015. Rachael recalls vividly the moment her mum came out of the doctor’s surgery to break the news.

Rachael said: “Mum just about collapsed in my arms due to the shock.

“I’ve never had to support my mum as much as I did that day. The doctor explained that it would be too dangerous for mum to remove the tumour. It was the summer and mum came away with us all on a family holiday a few days later. It turned out to be our last family holiday together and it was magical. We were away near Dumfries with my brother and his family and there were special memories made on that holiday which will last forever. I have so much admiration for my mum’s bravery and everything she went through.”

Rachael’s mum started on a course of chemotherapy and by November tests showed the tumour was shrinking. But the cancer later spread and she died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on December 5 2015 aged 59.

She added: “I was heartbroken as I didn’t think mum would go that quickly.

“I went on autopilot after mum died. There was so much to organise and sort out. But after the funeral was such a tough, low time. I knew things weren’t right with my fitness and that I had to change. That’s when I started walking and things just went from there. Now I love walking and it’s become a way of life.

“No matter what else happens during the day, I have to get my 10,000 steps in. Walking is my special time when I can think through everything that’s going on in my life. The fitness benefits have been brilliant and the weight has just gradually come off over the year. My husband had never seen me wearing jeans before. Now I’m happy to wear jeans. The last year has felt like an emotional rollercoaster but I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved. It feels like my mum has been there with me every step of the way.”

To sign up to be sponsored to walk 10,000 steps every day in June for Cancer Research UK, visit www.cruk.org/walkallover

• Aberdeen