CANCER, unquestionably, is a horrible condition.

In 2012, a massive 161,823 died from cancer in the UK alone.

Numbers can often be difficult to digest so it is important to put things into perspective.

East Lothian’s population in 2004 was 91,580 while Midlothian’s was 79,610.

The number of people who died because of the condition is essentially like wiping out the population of both counties – bar 9,367 or, roughly, the population of Haddington.

Of course, that is just those that died during those particular 12 months. It does not take into account those that were diagnosed with cancer or undergoing treatment. Similarly, it does not take into account the families and friends of those who were diagnosed. They too have to cope with the horrible news that a loved one is seriously ill.

Undoubtedly, there are experts, a lot smarter than I, working on finding a cure for cancer.

Equally, hundreds of thousands and millions of pounds have been poured into finding a cure and various treatments. Survival rates are improving and treatments are helping people to say they beat cancer.

However, there are still too many people having to face up to the reality that they will not be cured.

The Courier has heavily focused on 17-year-old Rebecca Dalgleish.

I remember being 17 and you think you have your whole life in front of you, the world is your oyster and other such cliches.

Unfortunately, clearly, that is not always the case.

As horrible as it sounds, there are several things we take for granted that Rebecca is unlikely to do.

Will she pass her driving test? Will she go on to university? Will she get married and have children, have a house, job, garden, holidays, etc?

It is incredibly easy to feel downbeat reading those last few sentences.

However, Rebecca is clearly not like most of us.

I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to her on a weekly basis over the last couple of months.

She is always polite, always upbeat and always a little bit overwhelmed at the generosity of East Lothian’s residents.

I’m an outsider to the county – an ‘inabootcomer’ – but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by what people have done.

Money is tight in many households but donations have continually flooded in since she started her appeal. Similarly, fundraiser after fundraiser have been held or are being planned. Everything from auctioning walking sticks to charity football matches and concerts to coffee mornings.

And every penny has gone to CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland); helping youngsters who did not deserve to be hit with the awful news: ‘it’s cancer’.

So, that is what you can do to stop cancer.

Make a donation, host an event – to quote Paddy McGuinness: “The power is in your hands!” Go to www.justgiving.com/Rebecca-Dalgleish