Cancer survivor to take balloon ride for charity

A woman who has been successfully treated for a brain tumour is to raise funds for the centre that helped her with a hot air balloon flight. Despite being terrified of heights, Scottish mother-of-two Carol Maguire and her partner Bill are set to take a balloon trip to raise money for Maggie’s, a charity that provides support for people with cancer. Maguire’s ordeal began with a routine trip to the optician, which probably ended up saving her life. After following the eye professional’s advice, she sought medical attention. Her worst fears came true on Christmas Eve, 2013, when a CT scan at Edinburgh’s Western General Infirmary confirmed the optician’s original suspicion. Maguire was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour and was in surgery within a week, followed by a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite the gruelling experience, Maguire has claimed that she gained a new thirst for adventure. She and her family always ensured there was something to look forward to every month, fitting events in around her treatment schedule. The mother finally completed her treatment in October last year and her prognosis is now good. She now wants to give something back by helping Maggie’s to support other people in dealing with cancer. Maguire’s balloon flight will launch from Perth city centre on the 19th of May, taking her and Bill over the city. She aims to raise £1,500 for Maggie’s, with well over £1,000 having been already donated through the JustGiving website at the time of writing.