A WEST FIFE cancer survivor’s has thanked The Falcons for raising £1400 for the oncology unit at the Scottish Cancer Centre at their annual charity jam.

Val Matheson (53), of Crossford, holds an annual event to raise funds for the unit, at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, in memory of her late friend, Lynne Gibson (left), who lost her battle to cancer at the age of 41.

The charity event took place on 28th December at Lourenzos and Val said, “It is absolutely fantastic that £1400 has been raised for the unit. I am so grateful that they have supported the charity – their generosity is unbelievable.

“It was a great night at Lourenzos – all the bands were playing there free for a great cause. I would like to say a great big thanks to Ian Mathieson, all the great bands, Shaun and colleagues for helping me collect all the money on the door, bar staff, Liz and of course all the nice people that came along and supported the night.

“Last year the dance I held raised £7200 for the oncology unit and I am planning another one in May – there will be more details closer to the time.” In 2010 both Val and Lynne were diagnosed with cancer within a month of one another.

Val previously told the Press, “Whilst going through our treatment together we would text, phone and visit. We helped and supported each other through the toughest days. We cried lots, laughed and sometimes both at the same time.” Around two months before Lynne, also from Crossford, passed away, she was told there was no more treatment to help her. Mrs Matheson continued, “I decided soon after Lynne was told there was nothing more doctors could do that I would fight on for the both of us.”