12-05-2025
Sister raised funds for cancer research in brother's memory
Sharyn Cusack took part in this year's Glasgow Kiltwalk to raise funds for research into glioblastoma, the disease that claimed her brother Graham McKie's life when he was just 32.
Sharyn, from Glasgow, said: "Graham was the best big brother anyone could ask for.
"He was generous, caring and would have done anything for me and my sister, Jaclyn, giving us lifts before we could drive, helping with DIY when I got my first flat and always looking out for us.
"Even during his illness, he stayed strong.
"He never let it change his spirit."
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Graham began experiencing severe headaches on Boxing Day 2005.
In January 2006, he was diagnosed with grade four glioblastoma.
Doctors gave him a prognosis of 12 to 18 months, leading the family to bring forward significant life events such as Sharyn's wedding.
Sharyn, 49, said: "It was such a special day and meant everything to have Graham there.
"Our initial plan was to be married in November, but after the doctors said we should move things forward due to Graham's condition, we started to make plans sooner so he could be with us.
"Arranging the wedding in a short space of time gave us something positive to focus on during that difficult time.
"Although Graham didn't feel comfortable in himself because of the side effects of his treatment, he still insisted on wearing a kilt to match the rest of the wedding party.
"That was just who he was, a true gentleman.'
Sharyn on her wedding day with brother Graham (second left), and family (Image: Supplied) Graham died only seven months after his diagnosis, on August 11, 2006, surrounded by his family.
Sharyn said: "There's that old saying that time is a healer, but I'm not sure it's true.
"You learn to live with the grief, but the feeling of loss never goes away.
"On birthdays, Christmas, family occasions, there's always someone missing.
"Graham's absence is still deeply felt.'
In honour of Graham's memory, his family have gone on to raise more than £50,000 for brain tumour research.
Sharyn's recent participation in the iconic Glasgow Kiltwalk, with friends Pamela Wilson and Lynda Scott, known as Team Braveheart, raised more than £2,500 in support of the new Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence.
Sharyn with friends, Pamela and Lynda at the Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 (Image: Supplied) This joint venture by Brain Tumour Research and the Beatson Cancer Charity, focuses on research into glioblastoma.
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Sharyn said: "There is still so little awareness about brain tumours, even though they are one of the biggest cancer killers of young people.
"Before Graham's diagnosis, I hadn't even heard of glioblastoma.
"Fundraising gives us a sense of purpose, and the new Centre of Excellence opening in Scotland gives us hope that other families won't have to go through what we did.'
Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Sharyn's strength and commitment in memory of her brother is incredibly moving.
"Families like hers are the driving force behind our progress, and we're so grateful for their support."
