Darren’s story

Darren first contacted OCHRE in 2016 following the loss of his beloved Dad, Ian in late 2015. Darren and his Mum, Ina were determined that no family should suffer what they had been through and wanted to support the work to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer.

Darren had played for Deveronvale FC as part of the first team to win the Highland League Championship and remembering the hundreds of happy times he and his Dad had, driving around Scotland to training and to games, he wanted to use football as a tool to raise money and awareness.

And so in July 2016,  the Deveronvale FC champions of 2003 took on a Highland League ‘Legends’ team at Princess Royal Stadium in Banff. It was an amazing day with an emotional, supportive crowd of families and football fans alike.

This turned out to be the first of many events that Darren and his family have organised to raise money for OCHRE. Another football match the following year featured Scotland internationals as we watched in awe as generations of the McAllister Clan joined forces to play golf, football, run marathons, make podcasts and speak to journalists to share the message not to ignore heartburn that can save lives.

In 2023 Darren and Ina joined the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce and OCHRE Chair Allan Lapsley when they met MSPs in the Scottish Parliament. Their story is so powerful and has helped us to share the importance of early diagnosis and timely patient pathways to treatment.

Our grateful thanks to Darren, Mum Ina and their amazing family for the extraordinary efforts they have made to support OCHRE. To date they have raised more than £40,000 as well as raising awareness across Scotland with their wonderful events and determination that non one should have to experience their family’s journey through oesophageal cancer.