26-04-2025
Inspirational woman with advanced breast cancer taking on Kiltwalk
Determined Belinda Butcher is aiming to complete the 22.6-mile Mighty Stride from Glasgow Green to Balloch on Sunday (April 27).
The 60-year-old is one of around 66 people who are doing so to raise money for Renfrewshire cancer charity Rays of Hope and their new extension.
She is also one of several members of the Neilston Well Walks group who are stepping up for the cause.
Belinda, second from left, with members of the Neilston Well Walks group (Image: Sourced) Belinda, who lives in Paisley and recently completed a 19-mile walk with the Well Walks group in preparation, said: 'This is my passion and I'm going for it.
'I've got to keep my hands open so I won't get too disappointed on the day if I can't complete the whole thing but that is the plan.
'The incredible thing is that you are not alone and there is a team and first aiders who can step in if I need it.
'I am very determined to keep going. I really want to complete it and it would be good for my mental health to do so.'
Belinda, second from left, with Rays of Hope founder Linda O'Malley, far right, Rays of Hope wellbeing and fitness coordinator Jennifer Muirhead and volunteer Liz Cowie (Image: Sourced) Belinda, who received her diagnosis in March, previously battled breast cancer in 2016 before suffering a mini stroke in 2019 and a larger stroke in 2022 which affected her cognitive processes and short-term memory.
When she was diagnosed with cancer the first time, Belinda, whose background is in holistic therapy, began volunteering with Rays of Hope.
The charity, which is based in Elderslie, provides peer support to those diagnosed with cancer and offers services geared at improving quality of life such as exercise sessions, a walking group, choir, writing group and Spanish classes.
The extension has been underway for a year (Image: Sourced) The charity started work on their extension a year ago and the build will provide much needed extra space to help them cope with how busy they have become.
It will feature a reception area, two offices, a quiet room, a shower room and a spa room.
Notably it will give them the space to provide a new programme to help people get fit and mentally prepare for surgery and help them get back to fitness after the fact.
'We probably need another £100,000 to get it completed,' explained Linda O'Malley the founder of the charity, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary later this year and supports more than 100 people every week.
'There has already been that and more spent on it, but we are really pleased with it and grateful for all of the donations people have given us, plus all the fundraising that has been done.'
Belinda, second from left, with Rays of Hope founder Linda O'Malley, far right, Rays of Hope wellbeing and fitness coordinator Jennifer Muirhead and volunteer Liz Cowie (Image: Sourced) Linda also expressed her gratitude to those doing the Kiltwalk in aid of the extension and praised kind-hearted Belinda for her efforts.
'As much as we have helped Belinda, she has helped a lot of people coming in,' she added.
'She's a very kind, generous person in that way.
"She will give up so much of her time to help others and be with others.'
Last autumn, Belinda joined Neilston Well Walks, which is led by Kiltwalk veteran Anwar Rafiq, who has described her as a 'total inspiration'.
Fresh air, exercise and being part of a group who know her and make her feel safe has benefited her enormously.
'I've become calmer being outside,' she explained.
'The fresh air and getting to know people who really respect one another - I couldn't be in a better place getting fitter.
'Mentally I would have given up by now, but now I'm going to keep going."
