Friends to go the extra mile for inspiring Inverness doctor

Friends and colleagues of a doctor who died from the same type of cancer she was studying are launching a series of fundraising and awareness-raising activities in her honour.

Dr Sharon Hutchison, who was based at the University of Highlands and Islands division of biomedical sciences in Inverness, died in December just a year after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of melanoma. She was aged 39.

Her friends are now preparing to raise funds for Highland Hospice where she spent her final weeks and also to raise public awareness of the disease amid growing numbers of cases – about 42 people are diagnosed every day with melanoma while seven people die every day from it.

One friend, Louise Harper, will take the place of Dr Hutchison – an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed mountain biking and running events – in the 103km Etape Loch Ness in April.

Dr Hutchison, of Wester Inshes, had signed up to do the challenge alongside another friend and colleague Antonia Pritchard, senior lecturer of genetics and immunology, who will go ahead with the event.

Miss Harper (37) will also take Dr Hutchison’s place on Ride London 100 – a 100-mile cycle challenge in August – as well as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in September.

“Sharon’s true strength and determination showed throughout her illness, still working and continuing to research the disease which she was sadly suffering from,” she said.

“In memory of my wonderful friend, I wanted to take on these challenges.

“I am doing so in an effort to raise awareness of melanoma and to raise money for the Highland Hospice.

“It is difficult to put into words what the hospice provides. The care, respect, compassion and support provided to not only Sharon, but her family and close friends was indescribable.”

A fundraising event and raffle will also be held on February 29 at 57North in Carsegate Road, Inverness, the gym attended by Dr Hutchison who also took part in the Baxters River Ness 10k just 12 weeks before her death.

More than 30 prizes have been donated by local businesses including a year’s membership to KCT CrossFit, afternoon tea at the Loch Ness Country House Hotel, tickets for the Caley Thistle v Dundee game and a tour of Stirling Gin Distillery.

Miss Harper has set up an online fundraising page in a bid to generate £4000.

“I’m hopeful that we can reach our target while honouring such an intelligent and beautiful person, inside and out, who has left a void in the lives of all who knew her,” she said.

Dr Hutchison was diagnosed with melanoma in January 2019 after spotting a mole on her neck.

She had major surgery and two types of therapy but the cancer spread.

Dr Hutchison worked until the beginning of December, when she felt unwell, and died at the Highland Hospice surrounded by her family. She leaves parents David and Jane and a brother, Neil.

Last month colleagues vowed to carry on her work at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louise-harper-doingitforsharon

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