An Tayside cancer patient whose fundraising efforts have topped £10,000 has told of his deep anxiety about the side effects of his treatment.
Diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer eleven years ago, tattoo artist Steve Barnes, 42, has climbed 62 Munros over the last year, taken on the three peaks challenge and walked the West Highland Way in just 31 hours, raising thousands of pounds for cancer charities in the process.
But he has now raised the emotional and financial impact of the disease and the treatment he receives.
Mr Barnes, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy, said: “People don’t always think of all the other problems that come along with cancer and treatment
“My biggest fear which gives me deep anxiety is the fear of looking ill. I have been lucky so far where the treatment I have been on hasn’t resulted in my hair falling out. However, I could be about to go on a new type of treatment which for the first time in 11 years makes me feel like I am losing control.
“During my treatment I have had severe money issues. The combination of going through treatment and being self-employed left me officially bankrupt.
“Until recently, walking was my escape but because of my recent treatment I haven’t been able to go walking due to breathing difficulties which has stopped me from doing the thing I love the most.
“There have been times where I have been left isolated and left to my own thoughts.
“I am someone whose natural instinct is to cope alone, but I think it’s really important people understand how cancer affects people mentally and that people with cancer can get support when they want it.
“Sometimes all you want is someone who you don’t know who will listen.”
Mr Barnes, from Arbroath, spoke out after figures published by charity Macmillan Cancer Support showed that one in five cancer patients face depression during their treatment.
Gordon McLean, Macmillan Cancer Support’s National Programme Manager, said: “Receiving a cancer diagnosis has a considerable mental impact.
“Some people will need professional support from a trained mental health professional, but many others simply need someone to talk to.
“That’s where we come in.
“From our volunteer-run support services in local communities, to our helpline and mobile support bus, we want to be there for everyone who needs us.”
Macmillan will host hundreds of coffee mornings throughout Scotland on Friday as part of its fundraiser, which has raised more than £200 million for the UK charity since 1990.
Mr McLean added: “I want to say thank you to everyone who takes part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Every donation, no matter how small, adds up and helps us be there for those who need us most.”
