Dennis defying terminal cancer to take on Kiltwalk
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A MORAY man who's been told he has just months to live will be doing the Kiltwalk this weekend to raise money for a local cancer charity.
Dennis Hurst is committing himself to the challenge as a thank-you to CLAN Cancer Support for all the help and support they've given him over the past five years.
The 71-year-old was first diagnosed with prostate cancer.
But, following treatment, he managed to beat that.
However, he's now been diagnosed with pancreatic as well as lung cancer.
Dennis said: "I know I'm going to die. It might be next week, it might be next year.
"During the time I've got left, I don't want to sit at home and mope.
"I don't feel sorry for myself – it's the young people who are ill that I feel sorry for.
"I've lived my life. I've been round the world twice with the RAF.
"I've done everything that I wanted to do. Well everything," he jokes, "except win the lottery."
Born in London, Dennis served in the military then worked as a hotelier on the south coast.
Now living in Keith, he moved up to Moray not long after the turn of the millennium.
Dennis added: "Everyone knows whereabouts Marks & Spencer or the Qismat restaurant are on Elgin High Street.
"Sadly, though, there are loads of local people who aren't aware the CLAN has its Elgin branch there as well.
"I can't speak highly enough about CLAN's staff and volunteers – they're so caring and understanding.
"I make a point of travelling over to Elgin once or twice week to see them.
"You can have a laugh and a joke, you can talk seriously in private, you can have various treatments such as massage and reiki.
"Added to that, they will arrange transport to and from medical appointments.
"I've also stayed for a month in CLAN House in Aberdeen while I was getting radiotherapy and, let me tell you as someone who was involved in the hotel trade, it's five-stars excellent.
"I want more people to know about CLAN and the wonderful work it does.
"If this walk raises some money and attention for them, then it will all be worthwhile."
Last year Dennis completed the full 18-mile Kiltwalk between Aberdeen and Banchory.
This time around he'll be walking just three miles.
However, as his condition causes him to get out breath quickly, the effort involved will be no less.
As well as in Keith, Dennis has also lived in Lhanbryde, at Lochhill near Urquhart and at Silversands Caravan Park near Lossiemouth, where he worked for a couple of years.
He's also worked at Elgin City FC, Innes House and Baxters.
Dennis can be supported via an online page set up by his friends, Richard and Cath Brown from Hopeman.
Go to the JustGiving site and type in 'Rick n Cath - Den's Duo'
