A brave Rutherglen man who was diagnosed with terminal cancer is giving back by fundraising for charity.
William Freeman, known locally as Tully, is doing his bit for the Beatson Cancer Charity with the help of his family.
The 72-year-old was diagnosed with lung cancer during the pandemic.
And his son Derek Freeman spoke to Lanarkshire Live about Tully, saying: “My dad has been fighting cancer since Christmas.
“Both my mum and dad worked up till November of 2019, then they retired. They were planning to travel, but then Covid hit and during that time he was diagnosed.
“Covid was such an unprecedented thing, even after my dad’s diagnosis we couldn’t go near him for seven weeks, and even then we had to stay far away. We’ve had to be careful with Covid.
“Three weeks ago, we were told the cancer had moved to his brain. He had a strong round of chemo a few weeks ago and after it decided it was too much and couldn’t do it. He’s put up a good fight. We don’t know how long he has left.
“My oldest daughter, Kristen, has been great getting them shopping and things they need, she’s a carer as well, so it’s been a help.
“My dad just wanted to give something back, so we started trying to organise something.
“The amount of support from the community has just been overwhelming, with people just dropping off donations and raffle prizes.”
Tully ran the family business, The Bistro Rutherglen, for the past 25 years with his wife Helen.
They are one of the longest-running family restaurants in South Lanarkshire and have sponsored many community events over the years.
Derek explained: “Before the Bistro my dad was an ice cream man in Barrowfield, and people who knew him from them have been dropping things off and donating stuff.
“I posted it on the Facebook group and had over 200 comments of people asking about him.
“Over the years when we were working, my dad knew everyone, where they sat, and the kids all loved him. A little girl came in looking for him once and it was her birthday and he came down with a birthday cake for her.
“The fundraiser was originally planned with his friend Ian who was diagnosed at the same time, but he sadly passed away before it happened.
“My dad is the most unselfish man. He’s got so many friends and got them to donate. He’s such a people person, he looks at life as If you’re a nice person then he’ll be your friend.
“The number of people coming in with donations to the cafe is a testament to the man that he is.
“My dad is so grateful to the people who’ve looked after him. The Beatson does a brilliant thing, they look after you, they’ve helped look after my mum as well. We just want to raise as much money as we can for them, it’s what my dad wants."
Derek's friend is travelling from Manchester to provide entertainment for next month's afternoon event.
Derek continued: "We made it during the day because my dad couldn’t do it late at night due to his medication.
“Even if people just come down for an hour and get some food and give a donation or buy a raffle ticket. We plan to decorate the hall in the Beatson colours.
“We’ve got some great stuff for the raffle and auction, we’ve got signed football shirts and memorable, all sorts of stuff.”
The fundraiser is due to take place Saturday, April 9, between 1pm and 6pm at Tullis Street Halls, Bridgeton.
A Beatson Cancer Charity spokesperson said: “We are so grateful to Tully and his family for throwing a fundraiser to raise money for our charity, particularly during such difficult circumstances.
“We are so glad to hear they have benefited from the support from our charity during his cancer journey.
“We send all our love and best wishes to the family and hope the fundraiser goes well.”
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