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‘Go see your GP quickly’ urges Inverness dad diagnosed with terminal cancer


By Louise Glen

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James Robertson with wife Megan and children Brodie and Blake.
James Robertson with wife Megan and children Brodie and Blake.

A DEVOTED dad (47) who was given antacid tablets by his doctor after complaining of acid reflux has now discovered he has cancer.

James Robertson, who is originally from Merkinch, has been married to Megan for five years and the couple have two children – Brodie (8) and three-year-old Blake.

And although the news has come as a devastating blow, Mr Robertson is determined to live his life to the full, and has urged anyone worried about their health to see a GP as quickly as possible.

A family friend has also set up a crowdfunding page so the family can enjoy a few “adventures” over the next few months, and create memories which Megan, Blake and Brodie can cherish forever.

Mr Robertson also has two older children who live in England.

He said: “I am sharing my story because I want to make sure other people get to a doctor quickly when they have symptoms.

“My advice is ‘do not Google symptoms, speak to an expert’.

“On Google you are three steps away from death – a doctor can give you facts and help you get treatment.

“Life has sent me a curveball in the shape of cancer, but we are going to make the best of it. I have terminal cancer. Every moment I have left is about making sure I have made memories with my children and wife.”

After attending the GP surgery with reflux and a pain in his side in July, Mr Robertson was given antacid tablets. But when the symptoms did not subside, he went again in October, this time with a very painful area on the side of his body.

Quick-thinking doctors sent him for various procedures at the hospital, and by the end of the month he received the news he had been dreading – he wa suffering from neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer.

“It is all about making memories now,” he said. “We would like to do lots of things with the children and we want them to have happy memories of our life together.

“I am on chemotherapy that will not cure me, but it will help to extend my life.

“We are making plans for a nice, calm family Christmas and after that, well, we don’t know. Every moment is special.”

Mrs Robertson said: “We have been overwhelmed with the support we have received. We are private people and we have never been in a position to ask for help. Everyone has been amazing and kind.

“Maggie’s Centre held a day for children last week and Brodie enjoyed being with other children who are going through similar things.

“A friend of ours has set up a crowdfunding page for us to have adventures with the children over the next few months, and while we were reluctant for this to happen to begin with, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness of our friends.”

The couple have compiled a bucket list of things they would like to do over the next few months, including a ride on the gondolas at the Nevis Range and a visit to Disneyland Paris.

The crowdfunding page can be found at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/james-robertson-388


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