Alistair Murray likes to live life to the full and, as somebody who drives the length and breadth of the country behind the wheel of his lorry, he is doubly determined to keep motoring.
Known to his friends and colleagues as Bugsy, the 62-year-old appreciates the devastation a cancer diagnosis can cause, but he has a no-holds-barred approach to discussing the subject.
As one of the 24 participants who will take to the catwalk for two Brave shows at the Beach Ballroom on May 11, he admits he never imagined he would embrace the modelling world.
Yet, after taking part in rehearsals for the event, organised by Friends of Anchor, he has been impressed by meeting others who have faced similar battles to his own.
Back in 2014, he was admitted to Ward 112 at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for the start of intensive treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and Mr Murray subsequently went through nine sessions of chemotherapy.
It was a gruelling ordeal.
Mr Murray, from Banff, said: “Cancer is a ruthless, cruel disease, but from day one, I was very positive.
“I just told myself I was going to beat it, conquer it, and I was given so much help by everybody at the Anchor Unit.
“Every single member of staff, from the doctors to the nursing staff, and ward assistants to the cleaners, was brilliant, dedicated, caring and compassionate and I can’t speak highly enough about them.
“If you were feeling low, they would find ways of cheering you up, whether with ice cream, or lollies or pieces of fruit or helping you out with such things as a massage or a haircut.
“I pledged when I got out of the ARI that I would do what I could to give something back and I am grateful for the sponsorship I have received.
“I have always been a pretty positive person and I always say this is my second chance and I am doing all I can to grab it with both hands.”
Mr Murray’s peripatetic schedule means he wasn’t able to attend last week’s Brave rehearsal, but he has been at the previous sessions and is relishing the opportunity to step and strut out of his comfort zone.
He recognises the events are fast approaching, but doesn’t appear fazed by the prospect, given the travails he has already endured.
Asked if he was ready, he replied simply: “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.
“Honestly, though, it has been very worthwhile to share my experiences with the other participants and there is a sense amongst us all that we want to put on the best show we possibly can.”
The Anchor Unit provided sanctuary for Mr Murray when he needed it. Now, he is committed to returning the favour.
