Interview: Bruce Tasker, Alan Anderson and Gordon Kirk on their battles with cancer and raising money for charity

Published on Sunday 25 April 2010 12:58

Next Saturday morning, if you happen to be in the south west Highlands, you might just spot a swathe of 800 cyclists peeling away from the foot of Ben Nevis.

• (from left) Gordan Kirk, Alan Anderson and Bruce Tasker

This group will be tackling the 7th annual Maggie's Monster Bike and Hike, which follows a route from Fort William, along the Caledonian Canal and the Great Glen Way, before finishing at Inverness, with the initial 30 miles of this route taken on two wheels and the remainder a choice of an eight-mile (bronze), 22-mile (silver) or 43-mile (gold) trek.

The aim of this 24-hour trial, which is experiencing the biggest turnout in its history, is to raise funds for Maggie's Centres, which provide practical, emotional and psychological support for cancer patients, their families and carers. As event manager Georgina Bushell says: "Monster has allowed Maggie's to open new centres and to support tens of thousands of people on their journey through cancer."

Although the walkers or cyclists may look like a mass of individuals, it's worth looking a bit closer, as you might notice that the crowd is made up of small teams. One close-knit example is that of Gordon Kirk, Alan Anderson and Bruce Tasker, who want to complete the longest version of the race together.

This trio have all suffered from either prostate or testicular cancer and are hoping to collectively raise 2,000 and, in the process, promote awareness of men's cancers. Taking part in the Maggie's Monster Bike and Hike will be especially significant to them as, not only did they receive vital support at the Dundee centre, they also met each other there.

Bruce Tasker, 49

Client services director, Kirkaldy

"Unfortunately I've developed another tumour in my stomach, so I need chemotherapy now. That may hit my training regime, but I'm still determined to do the race. Before my diagnosis, I had just separated from my wife and was in quite a bleak period. Going from being happily married, to being on my own with prostate cancer, required quite an adjustment, but Maggie's were very supportive.

I've got great belief in people's ability to endure difficult times. When considering your mortality, you either say 'it's all over', or 'I'm not giving up without a fight'. When you enter the spiralling cloud of despair, there's only one way it goes – down. Maggie's is pretty good at helping people avoid that.

When Gordon, Alan and I get together we talk about life in general – it's cathartic to discuss our illnesses, but at the same time we talk about random rubbish.

We discuss The Bucket List film, which is the story of two guys with terminal cancer, who make a list of things they want to do. One of the characters is rich, so they set about travelling the planet. Our wishes involve simpler things. I've been a wandering soul, but now I want to live in Dundee again. I'd also like to see my kids get married.

I don't want sympathy, I just hope that people, particularly guys, get more informed about cancer. If they do something about it at an early stage, they could have an extended life. I was quick going to the doctor, after noticing a difference in the way I was going to the toilet. He had the common sense to investigate.

There's something called a Gleason score, which tests the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, from 1 to 10. Mine is a 9. Commonly, this disease is low on the scale, but I've got the Ferrari of cancers.

It's a strange illness as, no matter what part of your body it manifests itself in, it's in your head forever. Even if you're in remission, it's difficult to shake off the idea that it might return. But you've got to grab hold of life. As Maggie Jencks said: "Don't forget the joy of living in the fear of dying."

I was 48 when I was diagnosed. When people asked what I wanted for my birthday that year, I said that I wanted to be 50. The guys at Maggie's understood that instantly. I may have less hair when I do turn 50, but hopefully I'll still have a good attitude and many years left."

Alan Anderson, 51

Plumber, Dundee

"The cycling part of the race isn't a problem for me, as I raced at a national level at Meadowbank Stadium when I was young. The walking is harder, I did about 12 miles last weekend, but I've got to step it up a bit.

I want to do the Monster Bike and Hike because Maggie's has helped me so much, it's a place where people really understand you. The staff have been brilliant, especially as I live alone, so I've carried the diagnosis solo, more or less. I fell out with my mother, father and brother when I was going through radiotherapy, as I didn't feel like I was getting the support I needed. I think they were scared of the cancer word.

Bruce, Gordon and I have all got a black sense of humour. Bruce and I used to make a joke about jumping off the Tay Bridge in Dundee, hand in hand. Also, I've got a wee van, which I used to take on plumbing jobs, and I asked him if I should get six or 12 months road insurance. He said, "If I were you I wouldn't get a year's worth." But he always encourages me when I'm feeling down.

Sometimes it's all a bit surreal, I think we're going to wake up and it's all been a dream, or Jeremy Beadle is going to appear.

I get a lot of motivation from cyclist Lance Armstrong and I wear one of his Livestrong wrist bands. Although I could sit in my house all day with the blinds closed, I pick myself up by telling myself that if I'm going to die, then I'll fight it all the way.

The Bike and Hike isn't a race, we just want to complete the distance. I would like it if we all crossed the line with our hands in the air."

Gordan kirk, 40Student, Dundee

"I was initially in the motor trade but, on the basis of what I'd experienced, I went to Abertay University to study sport psychology instead.

After being involved in a pilot programme at Maggie's which covered this subject, I had re-evaluated my life and wanted to look at the positive benefits of exercise on serious illnesses such as cancer.

I was diagnosed with testicular cancer six weeks after my daughter was born – she's now 19 months old. I had a swollen testicle, but also symptoms such as fatigue, a lack of appetite and I felt scatter-brained. I was sure that it was just tiredness from having a new baby. My doctor initially thought that it was a virus causing the problem, but it didn't clear up, so they sent me for a scan and I went into surgery the very next day.

There're no heroes in our group, we're all on the same level and have experienced similar things. We're also a good match of characters and can enjoy some jovial banter together.

Maggie's has supported my wife and me through difficult times. I went through diagnosis, surgery and treatment with their help, as a hospital oncology department doesn't necessarily have the resources to answer the questions you might have.

From a male perspective, it's good to have someone to talk to. Men think they're indestructible and tend to be more introverted. Maggie's allows you to talk about your feelings.

We've set a sponsorship target for the Monster Bike and Hike and we're getting closer towards achieving it. Afterwards, we want to organise a ceilidh to keep the Maggie's message alive. We want people to know about this gruelling, life-changing thing that has given us the confidence, edge and motivation to take part in such a physical challenge."

To support Anderson, Tasker and Kirk, go to www.justgiving.com/Bruce-Tasker; www.maggiescentres.org/monster; Maggie's Monster Bike and Hike, 1-2 May.

&#149 This article was first published in The Scotsman Magazine, April 24, 2010