The father of an Alness man battling blood cancer for the second time in ten years has hailed his “unbelievable inner strength”.
Terry Stirling was 15 when first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in November 2011, going through chemotherapy before he was told he was in remission.
Now aged 25, he is fighting the condition again.
But Terry’s positive outlook on life remains as he currently awaits further treatment at Beatson Hospital in Glasgow.
Determination shown in tough times
Terry senior admires son’s determination to keep going even in the tough times.
He said: “He was wanting to work even when he still had cancer in his body the first time.
“He got himself a job on the rigs and was determined to get on with his life.
“However the cancer has returned.
He has unbelievable inner strength.
Terry Stirling senior
“The first time he just got on with it and he knows the possibilities.
“I have never met anyone with so much inner strength.
“He has unbelievable inner strength.”
‘We remain 100% positive he will beat cancer again’
Terry has highlighted the importance of positivity.
He told us: “We have always been close as a family.
“Terry’s mother Jacqueline and I will be with him the whole way.
“Positivity is a vital thing, I’m not just being positive around him.
“I make sure I am positive around everybody.
“As a family, we were 100% positive that he was going to beat it the first time and now we are 100% positive he will beat it again.”
Fundraisers support family
Meanwhile, fundraisers have raised more than £5,000 to support Terry and his family.
This comes after five teams of two climbed Fyrish Hill a total of 35 times in 24 hours, the equivalent of 129.8 miles.
Terry added: “They have really gone all out for us and we truly appreciate what they are doing.
“We don’t like taking but sometimes you need to bite the bullet and know you need help with the cost of food and accommodation near where Terry is getting treatment.
Family friend Joanna Campbell said: “Thanks to Fyrish Estate for letting us do the challenge for 24 hours.
“I would like to give a big thanks to everyone who took part and donated.”
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