A couple from East Dunbartonshire, campaigning for improved research into brain tumours, have spoken with King Charles III about the cause.
Don, 77, and Rachel McKie, 74, attended the prestigious King’s Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, on 1ˢᵗ July. Representing Brain Tumour Research, Don and Rachel were personally introduced to the King amidst a crowd of more than 8,000 attendees.
The McKies’ invitation came after their nomination by Ian Dickson BEM, a long-time friend and co-founder of Beatson Cancer Charity. Ian wanted to honour the couple’s campaigning in memory of their son Graham, who died in 2006 from a glioblastoma.
Rachel said: “After nearly two decades of campaigning in Graham’s memory, to be recognised in this way felt like a blessing. It reminded us that Graham’s story really is touching lives beyond our family. We were truly overwhelmed to receive the invitation and couldn’t believe it when we saw the envelope’s contents.”
Rachel and Don began campaigning shortly after Graham died in 2006, just seven months after diagnosis. They have also raised more than £58,000 over the past 19 years, alongside their daughters Sharyn and Jaclyn, sons-in-law Peter and Stephen, and four grandsons, Jack, Scott, Kris and Kal – all as part of ‘Clan McKie’.
The couple also spoke to presenter Laura Maciver on BBC Glasgow News at Seven about the event on Friday 18th. Don added: “Meeting the King and shaking his hand was a real ‘pinch me’ moment. He spoke with us warmly and sincerely. When Rachel shared a little of Graham’s story and our fundraising, he paused, looked at us and said, ‘That’s hard to bear.’ It was a moment we’ll never forget.”
Clan McKie is currently looking forward to the Walk of Hope on Saturday 27ᵗʰ September in Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell. You can find out more about your nearest Walk of Hope here.
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