Stuart's storyStuart's story
Stuart's story
Stuart MacDonald is an accountant who has worked in ScottishPower’s finance department for 21 years.
In September 2017, Stuart went for his biennial eye check and an eagle-eyed optician spotted that something wasn’t right. He later received a diagnosis of lymphoma cancer in both eyes.
He said: “I was in a state of shock. I struggled to comprehend that it was really happening, I was terrified that I might not get to grow old with my wife or, if I did, I wouldn’t have my sight to be able to experience it properly with her.
“I can honestly say that waiting for the results was the worst part. The PET scan confirmed the lymphoma was in both eyes but hadn’t spread further. I was then put straight on a treatment plan and waited a few more months for the results. It was an incredibly tough time.”
Unfortunately, Stuart’s treatment didn’t work but the results showed that the lymphoma hadn’t spread and so he was put on a ‘wait and see’ approach to monitor the cancer.
Stuart’s employer ScottishPower has partnered with Cancer Research UK since 2012 and in that time the global energy company and a world leader in wind energy has raised over £30m for our life-saving work. These vital funds have been generated through sponsorship of our Race for Life, Shine Night Walk and Stand Up To Cancer campaigns, employee and supplier fundraising and bespoke ‘Help Beat Cancer’ energy tariffs, which see ScottishPower donate to CRUK for every month the customer stays on the tariff.
In April, we were delighted to renew this wonderful partnership for another three years and on hearing the news, Stuart said:
“When our partnership started back in 2012, the entire organisation was delighted as it is a cause close to so many colleagues’ hearts. I never thought for one minute back then that I would be someone who would directly benefit from the kind of research and treatment which we would help fund. I must say, the renewal of our partnership is just wonderful and will fund research that brings hope to people like me.”
Caro Evans, Director of Partnerships at CRUK said:
“Since our partnership began in 2012, CRUK and ScottishPower have achieved great things together and we’re incredibly proud to have them by our side for another three years. The generosity of their customers, employees and suppliers is astounding and we’re excited to see what the future of our partnership will bring for funding vital research and advancing treatments for people like Stuart.”