A DEVOTED Scots dad is all set for a 150-mile charity run in a show of support for his brave wife who is fighting incurable cancer.
Determined Kevin McNeill, from Gourock, is taking on the challenge in the hope of raising thousands of pounds for Ardgowan Hospice, who have offered lifeline support to his partner Jennifer.
Last July the young mum-of-two was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer which has since spread to her spine.
Jennifer, 32, spent months in hospital for treatment.
She was only days out of the Beatson unit when she faced yet another life threatening battle as she contracted Covid and ended up desperately ill.
Two lifesaving stays in the hospice for round the clock care helped Jennifer manage the excruciating pain from treatments.
Kevin and Jennifer, who have two young children, now want to raise awareness of the wonderful work of the hospice by launching a fundraising appeal for the much-loved local charity.
Inspirational Jennifer, of Kirn Gardens, said: "I cannot put in to words what the hospice means to us.
"We want to give something back to the hospice.
"After ending up with Covid last October I came into the hospice in a wheelchair, too weak to walk with a 'do not resuscitate' notice from the doctors at the hospital.
"But after the 24-hour round the clock care in the hospice, I walked out of there.
"We can't thank them enough for their outstanding care."
Jennifer says she is 'incredibly proud' of her husband for his exploits on behalf of Ardgowan.
She said: "Kevin wants to do something positive.
"It is a really tough challenge but this is something we both feel so strongly about.
"We want to fundraise for the hospice and Kevin is starting with this challenge."
As a family, Jennifer, Kevin, daughter Millie, who is three, and son Aidan, one, are all receiving emotional and practical support from the hospice.
They have helped the 32-year-old mum cope with the aftermath of rounds of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, bone infusions and hormone injections, her ultimate defence in managing the cancer.
The family have benefited from emotional support from Janice Lee, who runs the children's Butterfly counselling service at Ardgowan.
Jennifer said: "My cancer is manageable and we take every day as it comes.
"I have my good days and bad days - on my bad days I am floored, on my good days we spend time as a family.
"Everything we do is about making sure the kids are okay.
"The hospice is incredible, helping our children every step of the way."
Since she was diagnosed Jennifer has been updating a blog, helping people understand her journey and its ups and downs.
She said: "It really helped me to put how I was feeling into words and be strong from when I was first in the Beatson.
"I started posting because so many people wanted to wish me well and send me messages.
"It was a good way of keeping everyone updated."
Now as the kind couple look to give back to those who have helped them, Kevin is turning the 45 days of Lent in to a fundraising challenge
The 35-year-old radiographer, who always gives up alcohol in the countdown to Easter, is about to start a 150 mile mission which will see him run 5k every day.
He has already raised a superb £7,000 so far, smashing his £500 target thanks to the generosity of family and friends.
Kevin said: "We have been overwhelmed by the support and I am ready to go for the challenge.
"For me everything is about Jennifer, the hospice has been a great support to us all as a family.
"This is my way of saying thank-you."
*You can donate to Kevin's hospice challenge online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kevin-mcneill
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