A devoted father from Birnam, Perthshire, has faced a profound shift in his life after a persistent stomach discomfort, initially presumed to be a benign ulcer, was tragically identified as a rare form of lung cancer. Steven Lorimer, 44, received this life-altering diagnosis of ALK-positive lung cancer in July, a revelation that has since reshaped his family’s world and his professional life.
ALK-positive lung cancer is an uncommon type of pulmonary carcinoma, often found in younger adults with no history of smoking. While current medical understanding indicates it is not curable, it is highly responsive to targeted therapies, offering hope for managing the condition long-term. This specific diagnosis has had immediate and significant repercussions for Mr. Lorimer. He was compelled to wind down his established local enterprise, ‘Highland Perthshire Plumbing & Heating,’ a business that had served the communities of Highland Perthshire and its rural surroundings for over four and a half years. Furthermore, the illness has temporarily restricted his ability to drive, severely impacting his personal mobility and independence.
During this challenging period, Mr. Lorimer is surrounded by the unwavering support of his family. His dedicated wife, Amy, 42, and their two daughters, Mirren, 12, and Renèe, 9, are his pillars of strength, providing emotional comfort and practical assistance as they navigate this new reality. In a particularly touching gesture aimed at restoring some of her father’s lost independence, young Renèe is embarking on a remarkable fundraising endeavour. She plans to complete an impressive 100 laps of the cycling track at the Royal School of Dunkeld, with the heartfelt goal of purchasing an electric bicycle for her dad.
This inspiring community effort has already seen a tremendous outpouring of generosity, with donations swiftly surpassing the £7,000 mark. Mr. Lorimer expressed his profound gratitude for the support, noting how this collective kindness has significantly bolstered his spirits. “The outpouring of kindness and generosity from the community has been truly uplifting,” shared Steve. “It’s given me a profound sense of encouragement and made me realise the extent of the compassion that surrounds us.” He further added, “This initiative has brought a much-needed positive focus for my daughters. We’re all striving to approach this with optimism, and I particularly want to model that resilient outlook for the children.” The electric bike, he explained, would be instrumental in helping his family adjust to the many changes brought about by his diagnosis over recent months, providing him with vital autonomy as Amy prepares to return to work.
Amy elaborated on the practical benefits: “Currently, I’m responsible for all our transportation needs. The electric bike would allow Steve to participate in activities like cycling with the girls, fostering precious family moments and offering him more mobility.” She also acknowledged the financial adjustments the family has had to make, praising Renèe’s spirit: “While our financial circumstances have undeniably shifted, Renèe’s spirit is truly remarkable. She’s embraced this challenge with incredible resolve.” Raising Awareness and Seeking Early Diagnosis
The journey to Steve’s diagnosis began earlier this year. Amy recounted the initial symptoms: “Last January, Steve began experiencing discomfort beneath his ribs, which we initially attributed to a common stomach ulcer.” By late spring, further medical investigations were initiated, including an X-ray. “By May or June, further investigations were initiated, including an X-ray, which unfortunately revealed an abnormality in his lung,” Amy stated. This pivotal finding subsequently confirmed the presence of cancer. “Despite the devastating nature of the diagnosis, Steve’s specific cancer, ALK-positive, although uncommon and showing a rising incidence, responds well to targeted therapies,” Amy explained.
Mr. Lorimer now manages his condition with a single daily pill, a treatment he will continue indefinitely. The rapid advancements in research for ALK lung cancer provide significant optimism for the family, with a hopeful outlook that a cure may one day be discovered. Reflecting on the impact of his condition, Steve shared, “Life has felt somewhat repetitive, being confined to the home with limited activities.” He stressed the importance of the electric bike for regaining his independence: “I’m currently very dependent on Amy, but with her returning to work, having the electric bike will provide crucial independence.” A Message for the Perth and Kinross Community
Beyond his personal battle, Steve is now dedicated to amplifying awareness of ALK-positive lung cancer. He urges everyone in the Perth and Kinross community to prioritize their health and seek medical advice promptly if they experience any unusual or persistent symptoms. “If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to consult your GP,” he advised. He emphasized the unexpected nature of his own diagnosis: “My diagnosis was entirely unexpected, a complete shock. I genuinely believed it was a different, less serious ailment.” Despite the challenges, Steve remains steadfast in his positive mindset for the future. “I’m maintaining a positive outlook for the future. While this journey will undoubtedly alter various aspects of our lives, it has also brought a newfound appreciation for every moment and the simple joys around us,” he concluded. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and the profound strength found in family and community support.
ALK-positive lung cancer is an uncommon type of pulmonary carcinoma, often found in younger adults with no history of smoking. While current medical understanding indicates it is not curable, it is highly responsive to targeted therapies, offering hope for managing the condition long-term. This specific diagnosis has had immediate and significant repercussions for Mr. Lorimer. He was compelled to wind down his established local enterprise, ‘Highland Perthshire Plumbing & Heating,’ a business that had served the communities of Highland Perthshire and its rural surroundings for over four and a half years. Furthermore, the illness has temporarily restricted his ability to drive, severely impacting his personal mobility and independence.
During this challenging period, Mr. Lorimer is surrounded by the unwavering support of his family. His dedicated wife, Amy, 42, and their two daughters, Mirren, 12, and Renèe, 9, are his pillars of strength, providing emotional comfort and practical assistance as they navigate this new reality. In a particularly touching gesture aimed at restoring some of her father’s lost independence, young Renèe is embarking on a remarkable fundraising endeavour. She plans to complete an impressive 100 laps of the cycling track at the Royal School of Dunkeld, with the heartfelt goal of purchasing an electric bicycle for her dad.
This inspiring community effort has already seen a tremendous outpouring of generosity, with donations swiftly surpassing the £7,000 mark. Mr. Lorimer expressed his profound gratitude for the support, noting how this collective kindness has significantly bolstered his spirits. “The outpouring of kindness and generosity from the community has been truly uplifting,” shared Steve. “It’s given me a profound sense of encouragement and made me realise the extent of the compassion that surrounds us.” He further added, “This initiative has brought a much-needed positive focus for my daughters. We’re all striving to approach this with optimism, and I particularly want to model that resilient outlook for the children.” The electric bike, he explained, would be instrumental in helping his family adjust to the many changes brought about by his diagnosis over recent months, providing him with vital autonomy as Amy prepares to return to work.
Amy elaborated on the practical benefits: “Currently, I’m responsible for all our transportation needs. The electric bike would allow Steve to participate in activities like cycling with the girls, fostering precious family moments and offering him more mobility.” She also acknowledged the financial adjustments the family has had to make, praising Renèe’s spirit: “While our financial circumstances have undeniably shifted, Renèe’s spirit is truly remarkable. She’s embraced this challenge with incredible resolve.” Raising Awareness and Seeking Early Diagnosis
The journey to Steve’s diagnosis began earlier this year. Amy recounted the initial symptoms: “Last January, Steve began experiencing discomfort beneath his ribs, which we initially attributed to a common stomach ulcer.” By late spring, further medical investigations were initiated, including an X-ray. “By May or June, further investigations were initiated, including an X-ray, which unfortunately revealed an abnormality in his lung,” Amy stated. This pivotal finding subsequently confirmed the presence of cancer. “Despite the devastating nature of the diagnosis, Steve’s specific cancer, ALK-positive, although uncommon and showing a rising incidence, responds well to targeted therapies,” Amy explained.
Mr. Lorimer now manages his condition with a single daily pill, a treatment he will continue indefinitely. The rapid advancements in research for ALK lung cancer provide significant optimism for the family, with a hopeful outlook that a cure may one day be discovered. Reflecting on the impact of his condition, Steve shared, “Life has felt somewhat repetitive, being confined to the home with limited activities.” He stressed the importance of the electric bike for regaining his independence: “I’m currently very dependent on Amy, but with her returning to work, having the electric bike will provide crucial independence.” A Message for the Perth and Kinross Community
Beyond his personal battle, Steve is now dedicated to amplifying awareness of ALK-positive lung cancer. He urges everyone in the Perth and Kinross community to prioritize their health and seek medical advice promptly if they experience any unusual or persistent symptoms. “If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to consult your GP,” he advised. He emphasized the unexpected nature of his own diagnosis: “My diagnosis was entirely unexpected, a complete shock. I genuinely believed it was a different, less serious ailment.” Despite the challenges, Steve remains steadfast in his positive mindset for the future. “I’m maintaining a positive outlook for the future. While this journey will undoubtedly alter various aspects of our lives, it has also brought a newfound appreciation for every moment and the simple joys around us,” he concluded. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and the profound strength found in family and community support.