Moray woman recovering from cancer raises funds for Clan Haven with dip in the sea at Lossiemouth
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A WOMAN who is recovering from cancer is raising money for a charity that supported her throughout her treatment.
Veronica Young, from Mosstodloch, was joined by close friends and family for a dook in the sea at Lossiemouth West Beach on Sunday, August 28.
The dip has raised £490 for Clan Haven in Aberdeen, where Veronica – known as Vron – stayed for three weeks while undergoing 15 radiotherapy sessions.
MORE: Moray woman raises money for charity by dressing up as superhero for radiotherapy sessions.
It adds to £5000 that Vron has raised for cancer and military charities since her diagnosis in September 2021.
"It was a fantastic day and my first time back in the sea since I was diagnosed with cancer," she said.
"It was really special that my friends and family came and joined me for this. We stayed in for 35 minutes and it was lovely to get back in the water.
"My mum Angela and sister Erin were there – selling cakes. My son Liam was there, too, but refused to get his photo taken! He came up from Fife for the event.
"Our old family doctor, Colin Scott, came along to watch with his wife. The support was fantastic.
"Helping people has kept me going and given me something to focus on. My way of coping is continuing to help other people, it's what I've always done and what I will always do. It's what has got me through it."
Vron was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer on September 29, 2021 – exactly 10 years after her father, Robin, passed away due to cancer.
Robin was a founding member of Lossiemouth Sailing Club and Vron joined him at the club almost every weekend for two decades – making Sunday's dip doubly as poignant.
While her father was undergoing treatment for cancer, Vron's mum stayed in the old Clan Haven, so it's a place that holds a special place in the hearts of her family.
"It's an amazing place and the staff are amazing," Vron added. "I stayed in Aberdeen for three weeks when undergoing radiotherapy and didn't need to worry about travelling. It took anxiety out of it.
"It was amazing and very accommodating. There was lovely camaraderie and very supportive people."
Vron kept her spirits high while undergoing her treatment – reducing her anxiety and fear of needles by dressing up as a different superhero for every radiotherapy session.
The former Milne's High pupil worked through her treatment in a pilot role with veterans charity Walking With The Wounded – and is set to start a new job, as Welfare Executive for the north east of Scotland with the RAF Benevolent Fund in the middle of September.
She thanked Walking With The Wounded, who were "amazing and so supportive throughout the treatment".
Anyone wishing to donate to Vron's cause and Clan Haven should visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/veronica-young6.
