A MAN with just three months to live hopes friends will fondly remember him as a disco-dancing chef.

Davie Robertson (52), who has terminal oesophageal cancer, told the Advertiser, “I’m glad with what I’ve done with my life – I don’t regret anything. I’ve met so many lovely people. It does upset me sometimes when I’m on my own, but it’s just my time.” The 52-year-old from Sauchie was diagnosed with the disease after continually complaining to doctors about a sore chest.

He said, “They kept telling me I had a chest infection, but the tablets weren’t working. I think they were fed up with me, so sent me for a test in January. By March I found out I had a tumour.” At first Davie wasn’t fazed by the results, however there was more bad news.

He said, “They told me it was aggressive and there was nothing they could do. That’s when I broke down and ran out. I couldn’t get my breath, I couldn’t take it. When I went back for a follow-up, that’s when I was given six months.

“They said it wasn’t caused by cigarettes or drink - just 20th Century living. I’m one of the youngest to get it.” Davie has since accepted his fate and has many great memories – including working as a chef and running his own DJ business.

The much-loved uncle, son and brother even appeared in the Advertiser a few decades ago after winning an Alloa & District Disco Dancer of the Year competition.

He said, “I was then known as Disco Davie.” Since his diagnosis, Davie’s family and friends have rallied round. Although many have tried to give hope by claiming the doctors might be wrong, he said, “It’s nice, but I’ve come to terms with it. I’m in constant pain all the time, so now I just want free from it.” And for those too embarrassed to bring up the topic, he added, “I’d love somebody to ask me about it. Don’t ignore it, don’t dismiss it. It’s not a disease that will grab onto you if you talk about it.

“Talking about it stops me thinking about death as a bad word. When everyone else is scared of it, that’s what scares me.” While Davie has found the strength to face his cancer head on, he does have moments of sadness.

He said, “I’m not going to see Christmas and I’m not going to see the bairns grow up.” Thanks to Facebook, Davie has been able to keep in touch with friends who live in other countries.

Chris McMillan, a good pal he first met whilst working as a chef in Oban more than 10 years ago, has decided to get on his bike and cycle 600 miles from Cleethorpes to Clackmannanshire and back in a bid to see Davie and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in the process.

Davie said, “I think it’s fantastic and I’m fair proud of him.” Davie, who lives with his sister Lorna Charnick (56), wants to be at home with his family when the time comes.

He added, “It means a lot to me.

“I’m taking every day by day. It could be any time, but October is my six months. I hope when I’m gone people will just think of DJ Davie, a disco-dancing chef.” To donate to Chris McMillan’s Ride For Davie fundraiser, go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/A-Ride-for-Davie/