A FATHER who survived cancer against all odds has once again raised thousands for the charity that saved his life.


Billy Dempster, 62, of Duntocher, defied death nearly five years ago, and now devotes many hours to repaying the Beatson Cancer Centre.


The father-of-two has recently handed over another cheque for more than £2,500 after several events throughout last year.


Despite his body being ravaged by cancer, the Duntocher man is now confident he will live to retire and grow old with his family around him.

 


He said: “I am approaching the five year mark since I walked out of hospital free of cancer — so this is a milestone year for me in the spring time. After five years, there’s a high possibility the cancer will not come back, but they are going to keep an eye on me because my situation at the time was so bad.


"I’m a big supporter of trying to get people to help the Beatson, which saved my life.”


Billy has been a selfless fundraiser for cancer due to his own horrific experience of escaping death.


In March 2011, Billy’s wife Mary, 62, and children Scott, 33, and Shona, 26, were led to believe he was on his death bed.


The mechanical engineer hadwas diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma – a cancer originating from white blood cells called lymphocytes.


At one point, he was given just 12 hours to live.


Billy told how death was never far from him when he lay in his bed in the Beatson Cancer Centre and he was often woken by staff taking away patients who were not so lucky.


He said: “You’re sleeping and you hear all the commotion going on. The lights turn on, curtains go round then someone is taken away in a body bag.

"Everything is cleaned and tidied up and by the next day there’s someone else in their place. I was very aware of what was going on, and all I could think about is ‘am I going to be next?’.”


However, he made a miraculous recovery then was cared for by the Beatson Cancer Centre until June 11. His strong willpower and attitude powered him through but he also credits the tireless medical staff who saved him.


Billy and pal Graham Donald handed over the cheque to the Beatson. Funds had been raised in a bake sale, sponsored Movember and sponsored walk.