A CARNOCK husband who lost his wife to a brain tumour just seven months ago has trekked a gruelling 50 miles in her memory.

Andy Chalmers, 45, of Carneil Terrace, took on the challenge to raise £3,395 for charity Braintrust, who provided support for his wife, Susan, and their family.

Susan, who died on October 9, aged 42, was first diagnosed with a non-cancerous tumour in 2001 and was known by surgeons as one of the "lucky ones" because she had lived so long with the condition.

After surgery to remove the benign tumour, Susan continued working as a customer services representative with pensions company Aegon and got on with her life, which included an exciting new relationship with colleague Andy.

The couple married in May 2009 but, sadly, during this time Susan started suffering from headaches and was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.

Andy said: "Life became about making the most of things. Susan cashed in her pension and we travelled the world for four-and-a-half months in 2010.

"We went to India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Canada, America – there are so many memories.

"Susan kept a blog at the time and it's great that I have that to look back on.

"Neither of us were the most adventurous of people.

"We just thought: 'Stuff it', we didn't want to be stuck in the house feeling sorry for ourselves.

"In the years later, we continued going away as much as we could. Looking forward to something kept us going."

In February of last year, Susan started getting headaches again and went through surgery in June.

Medics found that the tumour had grown and although it's extremely rare to operate on a brain tumour for a third time, decided to take the risk because Susan had coped so well previously.

However, she was never the same, slowly losing her ability to speak and for the last six weeks of her life, wasn't able to communicate at all.

She spent her final weeks in Queen Margaret Hospice where she was inspired by a Dunfermline Press campaign to build a garden at the end-of-life centre.

Donations were given from her funeral to the fund.

Andy also discovered brain tumour support charity Braintrust during those months who sent Susan a brain box, with helpful information and goodies, such as her favourite cosmetics.

Now he is determined to fundraise in Susan's memory to help others battling brain tumours.

Andy, along with Susan's sisters, Louise and Kirsty, took on the 50-mile challenge two weeks ago, trekking rugged coastline and cliff paths for two days.

They were also joined by their close friend, Gilly, who also lost her dad to a brain tumour in 2016.

Andy added: "It was hellish! We all managed it but it was extremely tough.

"There was a lot of remote walking and it was tough mentally as well as physically.

"Everyone was telling their own stories so it was very emotional.

"We talked about doing the West Highland Way next year but that was before we were in so much pain!

"However, I may have forgotten about it by then!

"It's all for Susan's legacy and we want to keep fundraising for charities."

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrew-chalmers12