Beatson Cancer Charity has helped me more than I could ever have imagined. From the Wellbeing Centre and the hot chocolates to the outstanding care at my bedside, I’ll never be able to thank them enough. The charity makes the journey a little easier for so many of us, and I’ll be an advocate for the rest of my life."
Nicole Lowther
our role:
Our impact at every stage is crucial in helping make a difference. We fulfil this by the delivery of services and funding initiatives to support people wherever they are on the cancer care pathway. We work in partnership with The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and other NHS healthcare settings to deliver additional and complementary supports to enhance treatment and care. We align ourselves with the Scottish Government’s strategy for cancer care in Scotland and aim to add value to the range of services offered at The Beatson and the communities it serves.
Our Partnership with The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre
The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre is the largest cancer centre in Scotland and is the lead centre for non-surgical cancer care for the West of Scotland.
Opened in 2008, the centre delivers an unprecedented level of care to thousands of patients across the West of Scotland, with links to 16 hospitals in Glasgow and other health board areas.
Located in the heart of the city’s West End on the Gartnavel Hospital Campus site, it provides a world-class service to cancer patients. The centre is staffed by some of the most skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals in the country.
The Beatson is designed to create a calm, relaxing and therapeutic environment for patients, to help improve their wellbeing and enhance their recuperation. It is one of the most innovative and modern cancer care centres in the world.
As I reflect on the past year, what stands out most are the stories - moments of care, love and hope that happen every single day because of the Beatson Cancer Charity community. We’ve seen people find comfort in our Wellbeing Centre, reassurance through our group programmes and Specialist Health and Work Service, and strength from the compassion of our volunteers. Families, friends and supporters have turned determination into action, raising funds that have transformed services and created new opportunities for patients.
These stories remind us why we do what we do. They reflect the difference that kindness, expertise and commitment can make – whether it’s a calm conversation in a quiet corner, support that helps someone return to work, or funding that enables pioneering research to move forward.
This is only possible because of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, the generosity of our supports and the strong partnership we have with our NHS colleagues at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
Looking ahead, we are committed to growing our reach – developing new ways to support people, strengthening our specialist services, and exploring opportunities that will help shape the future of cancer care.
A huge thank you to each and every one of you for your continued support, it truly makes all the difference.
Gillian Hailstones
a decade of impact at beatson cancer charity
Launched on 27th February following the merger of the Friends of the Beatson and The Beatson Oncology Centre Fund.
Our Welcome Desk, in the main entrance of The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, allows staff and volunteers to greet and support patients and their families.
We are proud to develop and continue our work in partnership with NHS colleagues and are dedicated to supporting patients who receive treatment at The Beatson.
We offer guidance and advice to employers and their staff through our Specialist Health and Work Service.
Our mascot, Bella Beatson, is designed by Emma McGinley from Kelvindale Primary School.
Our care services offer therapies and support to patients, ensuing no one faces cancer on their own.
We enhanced and strengthened NHS care with ongoing commitment and support of pioneering research projects.
Our calendar of corporate and community events grows to offer fun-filled experiences for our supporters to enjoy.
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.
Our award-winning café is successfully run by charity staff and volunteers and supports patients daily. It is also home to Francesca’s Bell, dedicated in memory of Francesca Mancini.
2019
Through our fundraising efforts and supporters’ generosity, we are able to fund new care initiatives such as Brachytherapy and patient family rooms. Our charity merchandise range moves and expands online, helping to raise awareness and funds.
2021
We offer support for every stage of a cancer diagnosis including group support programmes, digital wellbeing resources, online appointments, plus My Light, a dedicated webspace.
We introduce our first Beatson Ambassadog and register our very own exclusive Beatson Tartan with a gift range.
Our MRI project, in partnership with NHS, will support over 20,000 patients in its first decade.
We’re proud to support patients in many ways and offer Befriending and Volunteering services, some of which were introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
2020
We now support more families through a dedicated bereavement service.
Our Appeals and Grants programme continues to deliver more impact allowing collaboration and funding of a wide range of innovative research projects.
Our Specialist Health and Work Service reached a huge milestone with 1000 people supported!
We launched our regional awareness campaign ‘Together Along the Way’ with First Bus, to engage with Local communities.
Our walking event Off the Beatson Track, was a record breaker! 2022
We launched our Legacy Service.
Our Beatson in Bloom volunteers achieved Outstanding Status from Caledonian Horticulture Society.
denise’s story
The support I didn’t know I needed - but I’m so glad I found
Denise Donnelly had always been the one others turned to. As a deputy head teacher in a large, busy primary school, she was known for her resilience, positivity and dedication. But in May 2023, an unexpected health issue changed everything, which led to a diagnosis no one saw coming.
“One day I was working at sports day, and the next morning I woke up with a swollen leg,” she recalls. “I had no idea what was going on - I’d never had any health issues before.”
Following a hospital admission for an extensive blood clot and pulmonary embolism, Denise was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. Thanks to swift medical care, surgery went ahead, and both malignant tumours were removed successfully. “I just kept thinking, ‘You do everything you possibly have to do’,” she said. “Nobody expects to hear the word cancer, but I knew I just had to take everything one step at a time.” Denise’s focus became recovery and returning to work - something she was passionate about. But healing wasn’t as straightforward as she hoped, and the physical effects of the blood clot began to slow her progress. That’s when she was introduced to Beatson Cancer Charity’s SHAWs workshops, which offers tailored support around health and work.
“I’m not somebody who usually asks for help – I’m normally the one helping others,” Denise shared. “But Nikki from SHAWs was so supportive and patient. Just having someone listen and talk things through with made such a difference.”
Nikki helped Denise navigate her next steps and referred her to Beatson Cancer Charity’s Benefits Advice service, where she met Riley. “Riley was amazing. He helped me apply for a Blue Badge, something I hadn’t even considered before. I kept thinking I didn’t need it, but his support helped me see that accepting help is okay.”
Another turning point came when Denise joined the charity’s Fear of Recurrence course, a psychologist-led group designed to help people manage worry and uncertainty about the future.
“It wasn’t about sitting around talking about your diagnosis - it was focused on practical strategies, reflection and mindfulness. I learned so much about how I cope, and it gave me the tools I didn’t even know I needed.”
Denise has since joined Beatson Cancer Charity’s Lived Experience Group, using her story to raise awareness of the support available. She’s also continued fundraising for the charity - something her family has done for many years.
“I didn’t realise the charity offers so much more,” she said. “I wasn’t treated at The Beatson, but the support I’ve received through Beatson Cancer Charity’s SHAWs workshops, benefits advice and Fear of Recurrence course has been incredible.”
“I feel so grateful,” she says.
shaws
The Specialist Health and Work Service (SHAWS) supports those affected by cancer, or those who are caring for someone with cancer, to communicate with their employer to remain in work, return to work, or look for a new job. Our support begins with a conversation and is delivered on a 1:1 basis, shaped by the needs of the individual
Nikki Etheridge Specialist Health & Work Practitioner
"I just wanted to pass on my thanks for the excellent training session I’ve just attended hosted by SHAWS. I’m currently supporting a member of my team who has breast cancer and this was super helpful and informative and definitely boosted my confidence in terms of the things to say and not to say and the right way to frame questions. I thought both practitioners were great, confident presenters who showed lots of empathy."
SHAWS participant, 2024
outreach
living with uncertainty
Living with Uncertainty is a six-week group programme for people finding it difficult to cope with the unpredictability that often comes with a cancer diagnosis. Led by a psychologist and facilitator, sessions are offered online or in person and use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help participants manage emotional distress and focus on living a meaningful life. The programme is open to people with any type of cancer who are struggling with uncertainty related to prognosis, treatment changes, or fear of recurrence.
This year, we took a short pause in delivering our Living with Uncertainty programme to focus on developing its format and structure. We look forward to sharing the latest outcomes of these improvements soon.
fear of recurrence
Fear of recurrence is a common concern for people after cancer treatment, involving worry that the cancer may return or spread. For some, these fears can be overwhelming and affect their ability to enjoy daily life. This 6-week group programme, led by a psychologist and facilitator, offers support using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, with sessions delivered in person or online. It also includes guidance on recognising signs of recurrence and when to seek medical advice. The programme is for people who have completed treatment and are experiencing ongoing distress about their cancer returning.
bereavement support
Grief affects everyone differently, and there’s no right or wrong way to cope. Beatson Cancer Charity’s Bereavement Service offers personalised support - from information and advice to one-to-one sessions and group support. Over the period, the service received 70 referrals, held 108 one-to-one support sessions, and welcomed 32 participants to group support. Support starts with a conversation - our team is here to help you find what’s right for you.
FOLLOWING OUR FEAR OF RECURRENCE GROUPS, ON AVERAGE, OUR PARTICIPANTS REPORTED:
100% FOUND THE GROUP HELPFUL, OVERALL
100%
93%
WERE VERY LIKELY TO RECOMMEND THE PROGRAMME TO OTHERS
BELIEVED THE PROGRAMME MET THEIR EXPECTATIONS
FOLLOWING OUR BEREAVEMENT GROUPS, ON AVERAGE, OUR PARTICIPANTS REPORTED:
17%
35%
32%
IMPROVEMENT IN PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY
REDUCTION IN ANXIETY DISORDER SYMPTOMS
REDUCTION IN DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS
12% IMPROVEMENT IN MENTAL WELLBEING
the role of a clinical nurse specialist
For the past 15 years, Wendy Campbell has worked at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. Through Beatson Cancer Charity’s grants programme Wendy has been a Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist for six years now. She plays a vital role in guiding patients through their treatment, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and cared for every step of the way.
Wendy is part of a team that works closely with consultants, seeing patients before they begin chemotherapy to assess their fitness for treatment and prepare them for what’s ahead. Her role includes running her own clinics, where she meets with patients starting concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, providing personalised advice, self-care guidance, and reassurance during what can be an overwhelming time.
“I always say to patients, if there’s anything you’re not sure about or anything that’s worrying you – we’re just at the other end of the phone,” Wendy says. “It makes such a difference for them to know there’s someone who understands, who they can speak to in a way that’s not rushed and who will explain things in a way that makes sense to them.”
"I love what I do,” she says. "And I know how important it is that we’re there – not just for the clinical side, but for the human side too."
“Having an extra nurse in the team allowed us to develop the service,” she explains. “It meant we could support more patients, especially those coming from across the west of Scotland.”
Wendy’s day-to-day work involves far more than medical assessments. She also checks in on patients’ wellbeing, including asking about finances and signposting them to support services like Beatson Cancer Charity’s own Specialist Health and Work service.
During 2024, the charity awarded grant funding for a variety of items including automated medicine cabinets, patient room refurbishments, upgraded chemotherapy chairs, bladder scanners, vein finders and an interactive projector system for helping paediatric patients receiving PET scans. The charity also funded key flagship projects including the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence. did you know we also fund...
the mccaffer's story
Stuart McCaffer was the kind of man people never forgot. He was fit, healthy, and full of life - someone who loved sport, valued family, and gave back quietly and generously. Successful in his career, Stuart approached life with balance, compassion and gratitude. He believed in living fully, and being the best version of yourself, every single day. It was a belief he passed on to his three sons - Greg, Jamie and Ross - who Stuart adored and did everything with, from football and boxing to golf and badminton.
Janice, Stuart’s wife, describes him as the “love of her life” - an incredible husband and the most devoted father. “It was like having four boys,” she laughed, “he did everything with them. He was fun, kind, and endlessly generous. Everybody who met Stuart had the greatest respect for him.”
In September 2020, Stuart was diagnosed with stage four large B-cell lymphoma. He endured long and often gruelling stays in hospital, where the emotional toll was just as difficult as the physical treatment. Janice recalls the struggle of seeing him reach breaking point, emotionally worn down by yet another hospital admission. “He’d say, ‘I just can’t do another month in hospital.’ He was tired. Tired of not being at home.”
Stuart passed away on 6th August 2021, aged just 57. But his memory lives on through a remarkable legacy.
Janice and her sons wanted to channel their grief into something positive. Fundraising gave them purpose - something to work towards together, something that made them feel Stuart was still with them. “It was a lifeline,” Janice explains. “To see the boys, who were still so young, doing something meaningful…It gave us strength. It kept us going.”
Together, the family has raised over £600,000 through four Ladies Lunches and two Golf Days. The funds raised enabled the creation of The Stuart McCaffer Haematology Ambulatory Care Service, the first of its kind in the west of Scotland.
Now open at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, the service allows haematology patients to spend more time at home while still receiving vital treatment and monitoring. It helps reduce discharge anxiety and frees up hospital beds for those in need of urgent care.
For Janice and her family, hearing from people whose lives have already been made easier because of the service is overwhelming. “It’s made us stronger,” she says. “To know Stuart is still helping people, even though he’s not hereit’s incredible.”
Beatson Cancer Charity now holds a very special place in their hearts.
Janice said: “It’s a place filled with hope. I can walk into The Beatson and feel something positive.”
Dr Pam McKay, Consultant Haematologist at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, has continued to work alongside Beatson Cancer Charity and the McCaffer family to honour Stuart’s legacy - helping turn his personal experience into lasting change for future patients.
"Stuart was a remarkable man, unassuming, kind and courteous despite his clear frustrations at being in hospital for prolonged periods of time. The COVID 19 restrictions made this even more challenging for Stuart and the family.
When chatting to Stuart one day, I shared my hope of setting up an Ambulatory Care Service at The Beatson. We hoped to allow patients the opportunity of receiving intensive chemotherapy in an outpatient setting thus allowing them to spend more time at home with their family. Stuart, personally aware of how much of a difference this service would make, offered to support the venture.
The service has had a huge impact on patients, with many compliments and notes of gratitude received.
The McCaffer family and friends amazing fundraising efforts also allow us to develop our service by employing staff to make a huge difference to the overall holistic care we provide. These specialist staff include a Clinical Nurse Specialist support worker, a Clinical Educator, to ensure nurses remain informed and motivated in this highly specialised area of medicine and a Lymphoma radiographer to assist and streamline delivery of radiotherapy to our lymphoma patients.
We are immensely grateful to Janice, Greg, Jamie and Ross and to their extended family and friends for their massive fundraising efforts which have allowed us to improve the service we provide to our patients. None of these service developments would be possible without the humbling generosity of Janice and her family and friends.
Dr Pam McKay, Consultant Haematologist at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre
geoff clark: giving time, giving heart
Geoff Clark leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets. A familiar face around The Beatson, Geoff has been a volunteer with Beatson Cancer Charity for more than five years.
After retiring from a career in financial services, Geoff wanted to give something back. Having seen the difference, the Beatson made in his own family’s life, volunteering felt like the right path. “It’s not just about doing something worthwhile with your time,” he says, “it’s about being there for people when they really need someone. Even just a chat can change someone’s day.”
Geoff joined us as a guest on Beatson Talks, where he spoke candidly about what volunteering has meant to him. His episode gives listeners a glimpse into the power of human connection - how small, everyday gestures can mean the world to someone going through cancer treatment.
GEOFF’S STORY REMINDS US THAT GENEROSITY DOESN’T ALWAYS HAVE TO COME IN THE FORM OF DONATIONS. Sometimes, giving your time, your presence, or simply your kindness can have the most profound effect.
We’re incredibly grateful for people like Geoffthose who make The Beatson community what it is. His unwavering support and compassion are felt by everyone who meets him, and we’re so proud to have shared his story through our podcast.
Listen now to Beatson Talks
Our volunteers really are at the heart of everything we do.
Across The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, they lend their time, care and compassion - offering support in the wards, Day Case Unit, the Beatson Café, our Volunteer Hub and the Wellbeing Centre. Thanks to them, our much-loved tea trolley reaches day patients not only at The Beatson, but also at Clinic P in the New Victoria Hospital and at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.
21,753 HOURS IN 2024 OUR VOLUNTEERS GIFTED OVER
Like a second home
Following a diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma, Philip Pang found himself navigating hospital stays, treatment cycles and time away from home. Throughout this period, the Wellbeing Centre at Beatson Cancer Charity offered a welcoming space that provided comfort, calm and support.
“It became a space to recharge, relax and feel human. With comfortable seating, warm conversations and small daily comforts like a hot drink, the centre created a sense of normality during a challenging time.”
“It isn’t just about treatment and medicine - the centre makes things feel more normal. It’s warm, relaxed… almost like a mini spa.”
Philip accessed complementary therapies such as foot massage, reflexology and reiki, which offered calm and connection at moments when rest and relief were needed most.
“Reiki felt like walking along a beach, the waves touching your feet. Afterwards, energy levels lifted again.”
Staff and volunteers at the Wellbeing Centre created a welcoming, kind environment. Philip spoke about the energy and care shown by everyone involved, from offering therapies to simply making time for a chat.
“You can see people genuinely want to be here. It says a lot about the charity and everything that goes into making this possible.”
Philip shared the benefits of the Wellbeing Centre with other patients and often encouraged them to take time away from the ward to enjoy the space. Visiting family members also appreciated the calm surroundings and the opportunity to relax together.
Connection to the Wellbeing Centre continues beyond treatment, offering ongoing support and a sense of belonging. For Philip, the centre represents more than a service - it offers space to reconnect, recharge, and feel supported at every stage.
wellbeing centre
Found on the fourth floor of The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. Our Wellbeing Centre is a unique space designed to be a calming environment for patients away from the wards and clinics. Offering essential support to patients, families and loved ones throughout their cancer journey. In 2024, we saw over 21,865 visits to the Wellbeing Centre, as well supporting eight satellite units.
Over the year, the centre provided over 10,000 therapies to patients which included wig fitting, hairdressing, podiatry and complementary therapies.
364
Across a range of wellbeing indicators, participants supported by Beatson Cancer Charity reported significant improvements in both their emotional and physical health. These outcomes reflect the positive difference our services continue to make in the lives of people affected by cancer.
thank you!
scan to support patients and families affected by cancer
Your support helps Beatson Cancer Charity provide vital care, wellbeing services and support to people facing cancer across the west of Scotland.
None of this would be possible without your support. Every donation, fundraiser, and act of kindness helps Beatson Cancer Charity provide vital care and support to people facing cancer across the west of Scotland.
With wellbeing at the forefront, Beatson Cancer Charity provides emotional, physical and practical support to people facing cancer. We also fund research, clinical trials and specialist roles to help improve cancer care.
Thank you for helping us make a difference.
To find out more information about the service and care that we provide have a look at our Annual Review.
