A cancer survivor who says a charity’s support turned her life around is urging people to walk the extra mile with her.

Elaine Cameron, who is from Coatbridge, is taking part in the 10-mile Culture Crawl for Maggie’s, the cancer caring charity which provides practical and emotional support to those with the disease and their friends and families.

The 44-year-old, who was diagnosed with blood cancer last May, said the help she received from her local Maggie's was invaluable.

Elaine said: “I was really low when I found out I had cancer, and my nurse recommended I visit Maggie’s Lanarkshire at Monklands Hospital.

“I sat with them, talked about how I felt and it was really good. I needed somewhere I could come to speak with someone who understood what I was going through – I didn’t want to share some things on my mind with my family, as I didn’t want them to worry.”

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Elaine joined the charity’s haematology group and stress management course.

“I felt better, because I was around people who knew how I was feeling,” she added. “It was a fantastic course and I’ve met friends for life.

“It’s not just me – my mum found that coming to Maggie’s helped her cope and my son has come to kids’ days and sat in the centre while I have attended support groups. Maggie’s has been beneficial to my whole family.”

Evening Times readers raised more than £1.2 million to build the first Glasgow Maggie’s Centre. The charity celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and plans to open its 20th centre in the Forth Valley in September.

The Culture Crawl takes place on October 7. Participants walk 10 miles through Glasgow City Centre, getting the opportunity to visit some of the city’s most interesting buildings and enjoy entertainment plus refreshments along the way.

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There is still time to register for the event – it costs £20 until July 29, with an early-bird discount of £5 for the first 100 to sign up. Participants have to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship.

To find out more about Maggie’s Culture Crawl Glasgow and to register to take part visit www.maggiescentres.org or call Marion Pirrie, Centre Fundraising Manager