TWO determined pensioners have raised nearly £800 in aid of the Beatson Cancer Centre after both of their wives were treated there.

Kenny Arundel, 67, and Gerry Doherty, 72, completed a sponsored walk around Old Kilpatrick on Saturday to thank the staff at the Beatson Centre in Glasgow for their incredible support over the years.

The duo have been friends for over two decades after meeting in their 40s and went on to become each other’s support systems after their wives Patsy and Laura were both diagnosed with cancer.

Clydebank Post: Pictured from left- Lorna Maclean [assistant manager of The Ettrick bar], Gerry's wife Patsy Doherty, her sister Christine Suarez, Gerry Doherty, Kenny Arundel, and Stephen O'DonnellPictured from left- Lorna Maclean [assistant manager of The Ettrick bar], Gerry's wife Patsy Doherty, her sister Christine Suarez, Gerry Doherty, Kenny Arundel, and Stephen O'Donnell (Image: Colin Mearns)

Gerry told the Post he is proud to have completed the route in just over two hours with the help of his walking aid.

The Old Kilpatrick resident said: “My wife has cancer and Kenny’s wife had cancer.

"We always speak to one another asking how things are going. My wife Patsy has had it for three years and they’ve [Beatson staff] been brilliant with her, absolutely brilliant.

“It’s difficult but we are getting there. I’m very poor at walking, my balance is away but I was determined to do it.

“We went right along Dumbarton Road after leaving The Ettrick on Saturday then over the canal bridge at Port Patrick Road and up to the Erskine Ferry Bridge before heading back down into the pub.

“I’d been going out wee walks in the village to prepare, I wasn’t going into it blindly.

"The staff at the Beatson are the reason that I did this, I can’t thank them enough.”

Clydebank Post: Gerry [left] and Kenny [right] outside of their local bar The Ettrick Gerry [left] and Kenny [right] outside of their local bar The Ettrick (Image: Colin Mearns)

The elderly pals have been “overwhelmed” with all of the support they have received from the local community so far.

Kenny explained that they have managed to raise close to £800 by just putting out two sign-up sheets in The Ettrick – their local bar.

The 67-year-old is a regular entertainer at the pub, performing magic tricks to crowds.

However, he said the best magic he’s ever seen is the work that the staff at the Beatson do for families.

He said: “It was great, we did well, it took us about two and a half hours. It rained in the morning but just as we were going out the door it was like a light switch and the sun came out.

“It was a beautiful walk and both of our wives joined us. People gave us a couple of quid whilst we were out.

“Gerry got a big round of applause when we went back into the pub. It was hard work but we enjoyed it.

“Last time I checked the total was sitting at nearly £800 just through the two sheets in The Ettrick.

"What the staff at the Beatson and Gartnavel Hospital did/do for Gerry and me is the best piece of magic I’ve ever come across.”

Gerry added that he cannot believe how much has been donated to their fundraiser as he didn’t even expect to even make half of the total.

He said: “It was a good laugh. A lot of people were coming up after it and handing money in when we got back to the pub

“I’m overwhelmed with the sort of money we’re talking about here, we weren’t even expecting half of that to be honest.”

Those who are able to can still donate through the collection box at The Ettrick in Old Kilpatrick.