Maggie's Merseyside column: Bob Marches for Maggie’s in memory of wife Doreen
Read the latest news from Maggie's Merseyside.
Pictured left to right is Swassie Turner MBE, police dog handler and a police dog from Merseyside Police and Bob Cootes
By Maggie's Merseyside
Bob Coote of Little Neston, took on an incredible challenge in the month of March for Maggie’s Merseyside and completed 300,000 steps in just 31 days to raise vital funds to help Maggie’s be there for people living with cancer.
Former policeman Bob, has been keen to support Maggie’s since the death of his beloved wife, Doreen, who sadly passed away 18 months ago after her diagnosis of kidney cancer. Bob completed the 300,000 steps in March challenge (which was equivalent to around 150 miles) in memory of Doreen and has enabled her legacy to live on.
Bob said: "I had a long high profile police career with Merseyside Police. Sadly, Doreen my wife of 50 years, died on Boxing day 2019 and Maggie’s were excellent so I decided to enter the challenge in memory of her. I have lost my sight and I am registered severely sighted impaired/ blind but my fitness is good and I walked the same route of 10 miles along the Wirral Way three times a week throughout March.
Bob said: "Sometimes I had company and I was even joined by Swassie Turner MBE, an established cancer fundraiser and also a retired police officer who lost his wife to cancer. As I used to be the head of the Merseyside Police dog section we were seen off on one of our walks by a police dog handler and a police dog from Merseyside police."
See which businesses are declaring themselves #BackForGood near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea
Doreen enjoyed visiting Maggie’s, a place where she could unwind and relax whilst receiving support from the cancer support specialists. After seeing first-hand the support Maggie’s had provided to her, Bob was extremely eager to sign up for the challenge and is encouraging others to sign up for more local challenges to help people dealing with the effects of cancer, whether it be them directly or even their friends and family.
Maggie’s has a clear message for people living with cancer – we are here to help.
With the current pandemic Maggie’s professional practical, emotional and social support is more important than ever before and the centre in the grounds of Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, is welcoming anyone with a cancer diagnosis, or their family and friends, in a way which adheres to all local and Government guidelines.
Support by professional staff is available face to face in the centre, by phone, email or online to help people with stress, fear and anxiety as well as money worries and questions about cancer treatment.
Maggie’s Merseyside Centre Head Kathy Wright said: “We know people with cancer need Maggie’s now more than ever. Cancer is possibly the hardest experience of a person’s life, yet coronavirus and restrictions have made living with cancer even more difficult.
"If you or anyone one you know need to chat please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re extremely grateful to people like Bob, it’s because of our supporters that we’re able to continue offering our support. We’d love others to join Bob and sign up to take on their own personal challenges.”
Maggie’s has been supporting people with cancer throughout the coronavirus crisis over the phone, email and through our online community. This support helped people 60,000 times during the first full lockdown.
Since Maggie’s opened their first centre in 1996, the charity has developed a programme of support that is proven to help people with cancer and their loved ones take back control.
Maggie’s Merseyside relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to be able to offer this high quality, professional support.
You too can make a difference, sign up for your own fundraising pack.
To find out more about Maggie’s Merseyside please contact us on 0151 334 4301 or email liverpool@maggiescentres.org
Shine a spotlight on Little Neston, Cheshire by becoming an Area Ambassador.
