A Fraserburgh man has used his passion for Doric poetry to raise money for the charity that supported him through his battle with cancer.
Lollipop man Brain Noble was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma last November, and underwent six rounds of chemotherapy.
The team at the Anchor unit helped keep the 61-year-old in good spirits, chatting away as he and the other patients had their treatment.
Mr Noble was so impressed with the support he received that he decided to give something back to Friends of Anchor.
He has been writing Doric poetry for years, after being inspired by Banff singer-songwriter Ian Middleton, and decided to create a book, which he has called Anchor What.
Taking inspiration from his childhood adventures to Aberdour beach and other “magical places around the north-east”, the book is a collection of 30 of his own creations and one from friend and collaborator Brian White.
Mr Noble said: “For several years I have been writing poetry in Doric to entertain my friends and family, so after I was ill I wondered what I could do to give something back, and thought I have all these poems why not put it into a book, so I did.
“It comes fairly naturally to me, but I have to be in the right mood to do it, I draw from my childhood, trips to the beach and caravan holidays.”
‘They made the whole experience a lot easier.’
Recalling his time at the Anchor unit, Mr Noble says that everyone made him feel welcome and kept him positive when times were tough.
“All the staff, nurses and volunteers at the Anchor unit were brilliant and were very comforting.
“They would make you a cup of tea and had sandwiches for people at the unit, and they made the whole experience a lot easier.”
Mr Noble – who was given the all-clear in July – is proud of Anchor What, and hopes the proceeds will help Friends of Anchor continue to support patients at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
The book is entitled Anchor What and all proceeds will go to Friends of Anchor. Image: Brian Noble. Friends of Anchor chairman, Sir Jim Milne added: “When Brian got in touch with some of his poetry and an idea for penning a book of Doric poems, it was clear from the outset he was the man for the job.
“While Brian’s book covers tales of trips to the beach, and the first day of school, his poetry also documents his personal experience of receiving treatment for cancer.
“Turning his experiences into a means to fundraise for the charity, we are grateful for the candid way Brian has shared his story, shining a spotlight on the wonderful care he has received within the Anchor Unit.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to Brian and those involved in the creation of such a special memoir.”
Conversation