Alan’s Story: Walking 100 Miles After Cancer Treatment

For most of his life, Alan enjoyed good health. But everything changed the day he mentioned a small lump on his neck to friends during a drive to St Andrews. Their insistence that he get it checked led to a fast‑tracked referral, biopsies, and finally, a diagnosis he never expected: throat cancer.

Although he was told the cancer was treatable, the months that followed were gruelling. Radiotherapy meant wearing a tight mask, terrifying for someone claustrophobic. Chemotherapy drained his energy and caused dramatic weight and muscle loss. Even simple walks became difficult. But throughout every stage, Alan says the NHS Lothian staff were brilliant, calm, compassionate, and determined to guide him through.

He found grounding in small routines: breathing techniques shared by his daughter’s Alexander Technique teacher, short daily walks when possible, and the support of friends who had been through similar treatment. And through it all, he held onto one goal; returning to something he loved deeply: walking the Camino de Santiago.

One day, travelling to the Western General for treatment, Alan noticed an advert for Walk 100 Miles in June. This, he realised, was how he could reconnect with his love for walking and reclaim a part of himself whilst also giving something back to the people who had cared for him.

Not long after completing treatment, Alan returned to the Camino. Before cancer, he could walk 30–40km a day. This time, 12–20km was a challenge – but every mile carried more meaning. Crossing that 100‑mile mark was monumental.

I felt alive again,” he said. “I’d lost so much strength, but walking the Camino reminded me I could rebuild it.”

Alan walked to honour the NHS staff who helped care for him, raising £615 to strengthen support for others facing their own treatment journeys. His 100 miles were a celebration of recovery, resilience, and gratitude. Today, he continues to receive all‑clear results, continues to walk, and continues to be grateful for the amazing NHS teams who had supported him through the hardest chapter of his life.