East Lothian Courier | News | Terminally-ill Susan determined to climb high

Thursday, 24th July, 2008

Published: Thursday, 15th May, 2008 08:10

Terminally-ill Susan determined to climb high

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BRAVE North Berwick grandmother Susan Thorburn will tomorrow (Saturday) push her body through the pain barrier to raise money for charity in an emotional ascent of The Law.

For 61-year-old Westgate resident Susan, who is terminally ill with cancer, it could be the last time she gets to enjoy the breathtaking views from the 613ft-high summit.

“I was inspired to do this climb when I recently took a bus from North Berwick to Haddington,” she said. “I realised I had not been up to the top for nine years, when I climbed it with my late husband.

“I wanted to give something back to the staff at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre at the Western General Hospital, who have been fantastic to me over the last six years.”

Susan’s illness was first diagnosed in 2002. She initially responded well to treatment, but in July 2005 she was told her cancer had become terminal and was given 18 months to live.

She is hoping tomorrow’s climb will raise around £1,000. Money raised will be split between the TIS Fund for Colorectal Cancer Treatment and North Berwick RNLI, for whom she was a dedicated volunteer for more than 40 years. Her husband, Graham, who died last year, was a former lifeboat coxwain.

“I have been given the green light by the doctors to do this, and I feel strong enough to complete it,” she said. “However, I will be taking my time.

No matter how many rests are required, I am determined to get there.”

Giving Susan moral support on her ascent will be younger daughter Barbara Hippe, 32, from Haddington, and her children Millie, 5, and Jacob, 2. Susan’s other daughter, Lucy, 35, stays near Reading.

Barbara said: “I have nothing but admiration for my mum. She is obviously a fighter and has always been a very positive-thinking person and never one to accept defeat.

“She is a very modest person and not one who likes publicity. But it is nice that she is getting some recognition for her efforts.”

North Berwick RNLI spokesman Malcolm Baker said: “I think it is a wonderful gesture for Susan to do something like this. It is absolutely magnificent and I wish her all the best.”

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