Grief fuelled strong desire to help cancer charity

WALKING FOR CANCER: Doug McLeod of Te Puna will be walking a half-marathon this weekend to raise money for the Cancer Society. PHOTO/GEORGE NOVAK

Losing his wife and his sister to cancer in a matter of months spurred a 70-year-old organic kiwi fruit orchardist to push his limits by walking a half marathon for charity.

Doug McLeod, of Te Puna, was inspired last Friday night while reading the Bay of Plenty Times, to partake in the Walking Stars challenge, the first night-time walking half marathon through Auckland's CBDs.

Mr Mcleod lost his wife Alison McLeod in August this year to cancer, just after his sister Tilda Copplestone died of cancer in March.

"It's for Alison and Tilda, and to hopefully get plenty of money for the Cancer Society," Mr McLeod said.

"It was one way that I can support them".

Mr McLeod's daughter Tracey McLeod found out about her father's plan on Saturday.

"It's all happened last minute,"she said. "He only rang me on Saturday night, he doesn't do anything by halves."

She helped set up the web page for Mr McLeod, despite her initial shock.

"When you've lost a parent, you worry twice as much about the remaining parent and I didn't want him to overdo it, or risk his own health, but there was no talking him out of it," Ms McLeod said.

Mr McLeod's wife and sister were diagnosed with cancer at similar times in 2010, and died a few months apart this year.

"He's been brave and we admire his strength throughout the ordeals that life has thrown at him, particularly in the last year," said Ms McLeod.

"This is a tribute to both mum and Tilda".

Walking a half marathon was an important way of honouring the active pair.

Alison was a silver and bronze national New Zealand medal winner and Tilda remained fit throughout her life.

Kirstie Cox, Mr McLeod's niece and Tilda's daughter, said that her mother would be thrilled with what Mr McLeod was doing.

"My mum just loved tramping, it was one of her passions. For Doug to do something like this, she would be so proud of him," Ms Cox said.

Spokeswoman for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty division of the Cancer Society Maria Low said Mr McLeod's efforts were an important part of Cancer Society appeals.

"It is wonderful to see so many people of all ages fundraising to support people with cancer."

Mr McLeod said partaking in the Walking Star event would be a good opportunity for his family to meet up for a good cause. "After the year we've had, it'll be great to get together without attending a funeral," he said.

Mr McLeod's had raised $4500 on Friday .