If you’ve ever wondered what’s happening at Monimail and when, we’ve got good news: we’ve just launched a new events calendar on the website. You’ll be able to see what’s on, when it’s happening, and who’s behind it. A few events are private or only hosted by MTP, so we may not always be able to share every detail — but we’re happy to point you toward the organisers if you’d like to know more.
This Sunday marks the summer solstice — and yes, it’s hard to believe how quickly the year is moving. From next week, our days will already start growing shorter again. To mark this special turning point in the year, join Rob, Anna and Katy for a solstice bonfire celebration.
And finally, a cause close to our hearts: Debs is cycling 541 km around Scottish gardens — including a stop at Monimail on July 10th — to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, in gratitude for their support during her young daughter’s cancer treatment. If you’d like to support her, you can donate via her JustGiving page.
Edinburgh mum’s epic challenge inspired by daughter’s cancer diagnosis
Debs Reid from Edinburgh is undertaking a 541km solo fundraising cycle ride visiting 60
gardens on her way south, inspired by her daughter, Elinor’s shock cancer diagnosis aged
just 23.
Her epic challenge, which starts next week from Tarland Community Garden near Aberdeen
(30 June), is raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust, the charity that supported Elinor
through treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood
cancer.
Debs hopes to finish at Jock Tamson’s Gairden in Edinburgh on the 18th July, and raise
hundreds of pounds to help the charity support teenagers and young people with cancer.
Along the way she will be visiting 60 gardens which will range from National Trust for
Scotland properties to private gardens opened under the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.
Elinor was diagnosed in 2023 and went through an intensive treatment plan consisting of
intrathecal, intravenous and intramuscular chemotherapy infusions.
Thankfully support from Teenage Cancer Trust frontline staff including our specialist youth
worker, Nicola, and our adopted specially trained nurse, Fiona, who both helped her cope,
and after two-and-a-half years of treatment she is now in remission.
Elinor Reid said:
‘From the moment I was diagnosed, Fiona and Nicola were there, not only for my medical
needs, but also for my emotional wellbeing, always taking the time to listen, reassure me
and understand how difficult everything could feel as a young adult going through cancer.”
Debs Reid said:
“This challenge is my opportunity to give something back to Teenage Cancer Trust and the
remarkable people who work with teenage and young adult cancer patients on a daily basis.
As a family, we can’t thank them enough for their care and support.”
“Gardens and gardening have played an important role throughout my life. Through my work
as a gardener and my involvement as a volunteer trustee at Jock Tamson’s Gairden, a
community garden in Edinburgh, I found the solace and strength to help my daughter
through her two-and-a-half-year treatment plan.”
Charlotte Gilbert, Teenage Cancer Trust, said:
“Cancer is tough. But Teenage Cancer Trust’s work puts young people in the best possible
place, physically, mentally and emotionally, for their cancer treatment and beyond.
“We do that by funding specialist nurses, youth workers and hospital wards within the NHS,
so that young people with cancer get the sensitive, individual care and support they need at
a unique and critical life stage.
“But we’re dependent on donations for this vital work, which is why we’re so very grateful to
Debs for her support.”
About Teenage Cancer Trust
- Every few hours, a young person in the UK hears the words “you have cancer”.
- Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity providing specialised nursing care and
expert youth support for young people with cancer. - The charity supports anyone diagnosed with cancer aged 13-24, and their loved ones
too. - Teenage Cancer Trust funds specialist nurses, youth workers and hospital wards
within the NHS, so young people with cancer get the sensitive, individual care and
support they need at this unique and critical life stage. - Teenage Cancer Trust is a registered charity: 1062559 (England & Wales),
SC039757 (Scotland). - www.teenagecancertrust.org