Arthur determined to go out on a high despite terminal cancer

WHEN Arthur Johnson was diagnosed with terminal cancer, the first gift he received was a book called 101 Things to do Before You Die.

But while many of his friends were appalled at what they thought of as an insensitive gesture, he decided to use it as an inspiration to cope with his final years.

And the 55-year-old said it is due to his "black humour" that he's been able to shake off news he only has two years to live and instead focus attention on the charity that has helped him through his most difficult time.

Facing up to a fear of heights was one of the first hurdles, a challenge he will continue on Saturday when he abseils down an East Lothian lighthouse.

The former bus supervisor from Muirhouse, who was told his colon cancer had spread uncontrollably in January, said he had more or less always been able to maintain a positive outlook.

"I suppose you could go either way, and there have been low moments when I'm by myself," he said. "But life goes on and you have to stay positive.

"The book wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but I thought it was great - humour is a fantastic way of coping with bad news.

"A friend also gave me the film Bucket List which has encouraged me to do some things I've never done, even if it's just this challenge at the weekend, or visiting the Western Isles as I did a few weeks ago." Despite being terminally ill, Mr Johnson appears to be in good physical health. He's been free of aggressive treatment for some months, though the chemotherapy is due to return soon as doctors attempt to stop the further spread of the disease.

And while he is in decent shape, he wants to maximise his time to help Macmillan Cancer Support, which came to his assistance soon after his diagnosis. "I had to give up working and I was trying to sort out some disability benefits," he recalled. Things were tight, but Macmillan came in and gave me a grant to pay my electricity bill. On top of that they've been enormously supportive emotionally as well."

The father of two grown-up children has already raised hundreds of pounds by abseiling down the Forth Bridge, while despite his height phobia he also has managed a sky-dive. He has other plans, among which are seeing his sister in Australia, though they may be curtailed depending on his reaction to the latest round of chemotherapy.

"It's important to stay upbeat, not just for you but for those around you," he added.

"I've been told by some I've got a year to live, others have said two years. It's impossible to predict, I could keel over tomorrow or still be around eight years from now."

Macmillan handed out grants worth 145,000 to 400 people in the Lothians last year. It hopes Mr Johnson's story can inspire others to take on the challenge for the charity.

Aileen Stewart, Macmillan fundraiser for the south of Scotland, said: "We are really grateful to everyone who is taking on this challenge for Macmillan. We are also still looking for daredevils to register and come along on the day and help us raise even more mone."

To donate to the event visit www.justgiving.com/arthur-johnson.