How Kerry was inspired to take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk

“We’re keeping Dad’s light shining bright”

After losing our dad, James Duncan Wilson, to bowel cancer, my brother Iain and I decided to take on the Kiltwalk Mighty Stride in Edinburgh.

Dad’s cancer journey 

Dad was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2015. He was given quite a low chance of surviving his first major surgery, but not only did he survive, he went on to go through several surgeries and chemotherapy. In fact, Dad eventually received the all clear in 2022. 

After his diagnosis, Dad continued to live his life to the full. He retrained as a lay preacher, and created his own mentoring business ‘LD Consulting’, which stands for ‘Live Your Dreams’. Up until 2004 he had worked for the Metropolitan Police as a Detective Chief Inspector, but he never truly switched off his blue light, and after his treatment, he started mentoring people applying for the Metropolitan Police and other forces.  

Sadly, the cancer returned in Spring 2023. This time the cancer had wrapped around the outside of Dad’s colon and surgery wasn’t possible. He began immunotherapy and after his second round of treatment began to deteriorate. By the end of the week, we were given the devastating news there was nothing more his doctors could do. Dad’s final blue light moment came when he was blue lighted home by ambulance, and with the invaluable support of the St Christopher Hospice team, Dad passed away at home as he wished. 

My dad’s legacy  

Dad inspired us in so many ways. I will always remember his ambition, his drive, his love, and his laugh. He was committed to his work and was a support to so many; the day after he retired as a Detective Chief Inspector, he returned to work as a Civilian Homicide Review Officer. He pursued every passion or interest he had, such as learning to sail, fly, and dance, and he always encouraged those around him to follow their hopes and dreams too.  

I hope to do the same in my life, to inspire my children through challenging myself to live life to the full. That’s why I decided to take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk Mighty Stride challenge with Iain, a 21-mile route around the Scottish capital.  

Taking on the Kiltwalk for Dad 

Our dad was a proud Scotsman, and it seemed fitting to take on this challenge in honour of him. We’re keeping Dad’s light shining bright and we’re hoping to raise as much money as we can for Bowel Cancer UK, an incredible charity that is so close to our hearts because of the support they provided to Dad.  

Some of our closest friends heard we were doing the Kiltwalk and were inspired to join, and so team ‘Live Your Dreams’ evolved. We’ll walk together to remember our extraordinary dad, as well as all the other lives impacted by this disease. We will keep shining the light, keep our wings level, and walk with hope in our hearts.

• Donate to Kerry’s Kiltwalk fund  

• Find out more about how you can fundraise for us 

• Support and information about coping with grief and bereavement 
  
  

Above: Kerry and Iain's dad, Duncan.

Above: Kerry (Left) and her brother, Iain (Right)