Newlywed Stephen Keltie should be looking forward to his honeymoon – but instead he is running a marathon for the charity helping his husband in the last weeks of his life.
When Grant Carr, 42, started suffering from acid reflux, neither he nor Stephen, 43, were initially too concerned.
Twelve months later, Grant was shocked to be told he was terminally ill with stomach cancer.
Now Grant and Stephen – who have been together 18 years and married just weeks after the diagnosis – want to do all they can to raise awareness of the illness and the charity supporting them.
Dentist Stephen said: “Doctors have told us it’s extremely rare for someone of Grant’s age to be diagnosed with stomach cancer.
“When Grant was told he was terminally ill, he said he wanted us to create wonderful memories and I remember saying, ‘I don’t want to make memories with you – I want us to be together.’
“We got married and booked what we planned would be our honeymoon but Grant’s illness has progressed quicker than anyone predicted. Now we’re trying to make the most of what time we have together.”
Bank manager Grant was diagnosed with cancer at the end of August last year.
Stephen said: “Grant had started suffering from acid reflux, which a lot of people have. When it didn’t settle, he went to the doctor but they didn’t think it was anything to worry about. They gave him tablets, which seemed to help.
“Over time, he started to lose his appetite, then feel nauseous. When he started being sick every day, he went back to the doctor and was sent for an endoscopy.”
Grant was given the news he had stomach cancer, which further tests revealed had spread to other areas of his body.
Stephen said: “Initially we were told he could possibly have his stomach removed and treatment could be considered. But after a few scans, they told us palliative care was the only option.
"We were told average life expectancy for this cancer, at this stage, was about 18 months.”
The couple decided to get married as soon as possible and, in October last year, were joined by close family and friends for an intimate wedding ceremony in the garden of their Glasgow home.
Stephen said: “Despite the circumstances, we had a lovely day.
"Grant was set to start chemo soon after, so we booked our honeymoon – a cruise in the Mediterranean – for June. But sadly things have changed and we know now that’s not to be.”
Stephen said that since Grant’s diagnosis, he has found great therapy in running. Next weekend, he will run the Edinburgh Marathon to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support – macmillan.org.uk.
He added: “Macmillan have been great. Grant has spoken to them on the phone to get advice and support.”
Stephen, who has already raised more than £2000 for the charity, said both he and Grant would encourage anyone who notices any unusual changes to their body to seek medical advice.
Gordon McLean, of Macmillan, said: “Men represent 51 per cent of people diagnosed with cancer but only 37 per cent of calls to our support line come from men. It’s important to get support when going through a cancer journey.”
To sponsor Stephen, visit the JustGiving page.
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