14/4/2008Close Shave to Help Fight Cancer
A FIREFIGHTER has been inspired to raise money for teenage cancer sufferers after facing his own battle with the disease.
David Hannah, a retained firefighter raised more than £7500 in just three weeks after he was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in January.
While attending the Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow for treatment, the 54-year-old grandad met youngsters fighting the disease and was amazed by their bravery.
And despite undergoing weeks of debilitating chemotherapy himself, David rallied family, friends and colleagues to raise cash for Glasgow's new teenage cancer unit, which is due to open at the Beatson next month.
More than 20 of David's pals, including the firefighters at Cumnock Fire Station in Ayrshire where he works, took part in a sponsored head shave in a bid to raise money - and show solidarity.
Also behind him are wife Lorna, 53, daughter Debbie, 37, son David, 27, as well as grandchildren Hannah, eight, and two-year-old Alex.
David, who also works with autistic children, said: "Being diagnosed with cancer was a real shock to the system, especially as I was fit and leading a healthy lifestyle.
"But when you meet the children and teenagers who are suffering from the disease it puts my condition into perspective.
"Their bravery is just amazing and I knew I had to do something to help get this unit up and running."
"Raising the money has also kept me motivated through my own treatment - I'm not going to let the cancer beat me."
David hopes to be able to add to the tally with a charity bike ride in the near future, inspired by his hero, Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, who also suffered from cancer.
Fellow firefighter Craig Burns added: "I've known David since we were boys and I just couldn't believe he had cancer.
"All the boys at the fire station are like one big family and we decided we'd be right behind David from day one.
"Shaving our heads was a small thing, but hopefully it will make a difference to others."
Dr Gerry Roberston, clinical oncology consultant and treasurer of the Beatson Fund said the money would help make life better for youngsters with cancer.
He said: "When the unit opens it will have four specialised rooms and a day area, all geared towards young people.
"We will also be able to fund more specialised researchers.
"I can't thank David and his friends enough for their help."
David Hannah, a retained firefighter raised more than £7500 in just three weeks after he was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in January.
While attending the Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow for treatment, the 54-year-old grandad met youngsters fighting the disease and was amazed by their bravery.
And despite undergoing weeks of debilitating chemotherapy himself, David rallied family, friends and colleagues to raise cash for Glasgow's new teenage cancer unit, which is due to open at the Beatson next month.
More than 20 of David's pals, including the firefighters at Cumnock Fire Station in Ayrshire where he works, took part in a sponsored head shave in a bid to raise money - and show solidarity.
Also behind him are wife Lorna, 53, daughter Debbie, 37, son David, 27, as well as grandchildren Hannah, eight, and two-year-old Alex.
David, who also works with autistic children, said: "Being diagnosed with cancer was a real shock to the system, especially as I was fit and leading a healthy lifestyle.
"But when you meet the children and teenagers who are suffering from the disease it puts my condition into perspective.
"Their bravery is just amazing and I knew I had to do something to help get this unit up and running."
"Raising the money has also kept me motivated through my own treatment - I'm not going to let the cancer beat me."
David hopes to be able to add to the tally with a charity bike ride in the near future, inspired by his hero, Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, who also suffered from cancer.
Fellow firefighter Craig Burns added: "I've known David since we were boys and I just couldn't believe he had cancer.
"All the boys at the fire station are like one big family and we decided we'd be right behind David from day one.
"Shaving our heads was a small thing, but hopefully it will make a difference to others."
Dr Gerry Roberston, clinical oncology consultant and treasurer of the Beatson Fund said the money would help make life better for youngsters with cancer.
He said: "When the unit opens it will have four specialised rooms and a day area, all geared towards young people.
"We will also be able to fund more specialised researchers.
"I can't thank David and his friends enough for their help."