welcome and general update
There is something about summer that naturally brings a sense of hope. Longer days, a bit more sunshine, and the reminder that brighter things are possible. That feeling mirrors what we see every day at Beatson Cancer Charity, people coming together to support one another and make a difference.
Whether it is someone signing up for a challenge, giving a donation or simply showing kindness to someone going through a tough time, every action matters. It is the sense of togetherness that drives us forward. When we support each other, we create moments of comfort, care and progress, and that is what helps us build a brighter tomorrow.
To everyone who is part of Team Beatson, thank you. You remind us that even in the most difficult times, people can still show up for one another in extraordinary ways. That gives us hope, and it keeps us moving forward.
Warmest wishes,
Gillian Hailstones CEO
switchboard
0141 212 0505, www.beatsoncancercharity.org
fundraising team fundraising@beatsoncancercharity.org
befriending service befriending@beatsoncancercharity.org
shaws healthandworkservice@beatsoncancercharity.org
wigs
0141 301 7439
get in touch latest news
This year’s Kiltwalk is extra special – we’ve got over 900 amazing people walking for Beatson Cancer Charity, making it the biggest team the charity has ever had!
the wellbeing centre
0141 301 7667 info@beatsoncancercharity.org
group support
Living with Uncertainty and Fear of Recurrence programmes supportservices@beatsoncancercharity.org
volunteering volunteer@beatsoncancercharity.org
bereavement support bereavementsupport@beatsoncancercharity.org
wellbeing introducing gua sha update
We're excited to introduce Gua Sha, a calming and therapeutic facial treatment now available at our Wellbeing Centre – thanks to our beauty therapist, Monika.
Gua Sha is a technique that uses a smooth stone tool to gently massage the face, helping to relieve muscle tension, boost circulation, and promote lymphatic drainage. The result? A sense of relaxation and a natural, healthy glow.
Monika, who introduced this treatment to our Wellbeing Centre, guides patients through each step of the ritual, tailoring the experience to individual needs. Her nurturing approach and deep knowledge of holistic beauty therapies help make this treatment both soothing and empowering.
Best of all, after their session, patients receive their own Gua Sha stone to take home, so they can continue this self-care practice whenever they need a moment of calm and connection.
This treatment is more than skin-deep – it’s about restoring confidence, encouraging self-care, and providing comfort during challenging times.
This beautiful treatment is available to all inpatients, please ask about Gua Sha and experience the blend of tradition, tranquillity, and personal care that Monika has brought to our community.
Monika says: "I have a passion for all aspects of beauty but my heart sings loudest when I work my skin magic providing skin treatments, especially face."
pottery painting sessions
Over the past few weeks, Sarahjane has been hosting a popular pottery painting hour in the Wellbeing Centre. Patients and their families have enjoyed a peaceful break from the wards, connecting over creativity and conversation. As Sarahjane puts it, it’s been lovely to relax, chat, and watch mini masterpieces – and maybe even future Van Goghs – come to life on plant pots.
care services
living with uncertainty
new season, new support update
We're excited to share that our Living with Uncertainty group programme – designed to support people living with incurable cancer – has been fully reimagined and relaunched.
Now running over six weeks, the updated programme is available both face-to-face at welcoming community venues across Glasgow and online, making it more accessible than ever. Whether in person or virtual, every session is a space for connection and support.
Led by our brilliant new facilitators – Dr Calum McHale, Health Psychologist, and Susan Clark, Group Support Facilitator – participants explore practical ways to manage difficult thoughts and emotions, while building towards a life filled with meaning and purpose.
Since our relaunch in January 2025, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Here's what some of our recent participants had to say:
“The course was very helpful. I can’t speak highly enough of the whole experience.”
“I really enjoyed the course and I 100% feel in a much better position with my thoughts and emotions.”
“I appreciate how much [the group] has helped and how some little things can make such a difference.”
several
beatson
track 2025 rack 202
sunday 24th august
Join Beatson Cancer Charity on our annual 10k walk to raise funds for those affected by cancer. Take a tour of Glasgow's West End, with various treats along the way. Come along and take part in our day suitable for all ages and abilities. Under 16's go free and four-legged friends are welcome too!
scan the qr code and sign up today!
Sponsored by
10 ways to support beatson cancer charity this summer!
3. wear yellow
Pick a day this summer to go full-on yellow – clothing, accessories, even makeup. Share why Beatson Cancer Charity matters to you and encourage others to learn more or donate.
5. nominate us as your workplace charity
Encourage your employer to support Beatson through charity of the year schemes, payroll giving, or match-funding employee donations.
4. join our events (or cheer them on!)
Take part in one of their official summer events – or help on the day, even just turning up to cheer can lift spirits and show support.
1. volunteer your time
2. shop our online store
Sign up to volunteer at a Beatson event or support our patient services – your time is incredibly valuable. Scan to look
6. share our stories on social media
Follow Beatson Cancer Charity online and share our updates, patient stories, and campaigns to help reach more people who may benefit from our services or want to support.
9. start conversations
Talk to friends and family about what Beatson Cancer Charity does. Personal stories and word of mouth are powerful tools for building awareness.
10. pledge support year-round
Make a commitment this summer to support the charity in the long run – whether it's a monthly donation, volunteering regularly, or advocating for our work.
7. do a sponsored walk, run, or cycle
Create a personal challenge or team event – pick a scenic Scottish route and gather sponsorships through JustGiving.
8. plant a yellow flower in your garden
Yellow is our colour – grab some sunflowers or marigolds and watch them grow through the sunny months.
For a fundraising pack, or to speak to the team email fundraising@beatsoncancercharity.org or call 0141 212 0505
meet erin lavery
In August 2024, Erin was diagnosed with lymphoma, just months after her 21st birthday.
What began as a persistent cough, night sweats, and a general feeling of being unwell quickly escalated when she noticed a lump on the side of her neck. After undergoing a biopsy and several further tests, the diagnosis was confirmed, she had lymphoma.
Everything moved quickly following her diagnosis. Erin suddenly found herself in the middle of consultations with doctors and clinicians, navigating treatment plans, and facing discussions around fertility options – something she never imagined having to consider in her early twenties.
But when she arrived at The Beatson, Erin found something she hadn’t expected – comfort.
“the moment i walked into the beatson, i felt a wave of care.”
The Wellbeing Centre, run by Beatson Cancer Charity, offered a calm space that felt like home. Her parents would join her there, giving them a moment of clarity among the challenges they were all facing as a family.
The little things, like sharing a hot chocolate in a warm and welcoming environment, made a huge difference. “I love hot chocolate,” Erin
"Being diagnosed at 21 was so overwhelming, but the team at Beatson Cancer Charity offered me comfort."
shares. “It brought a little bit of joy on the hard days – and that’s thanks to the people who support Beatson Cancer Charity.” These seemingly simple comforts provided a sense of normality during one of the most difficult times in her life.
Now, Erin is sharing her story to thank the people whose kindness made all of this possible. “These services only exist because of people like you,” she says.
“Please, if you can, donate today. Your support means more people like me can find comfort, strength, and hope when they need it most.”
scan to donate
With your help, we can continue to provide essential wellbeing services to those who need them most, ensuring no one faces cancer alone.
grants
family room refurbishment
We are pleased to announce the refurbishment of the family room on the 4th floor of the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, made possible by a £3,349 grant from the charity.
This newly renovated space will serve as a nonclinical area where patients can meet their loved ones, offering a comfortable and private setting for having difficult conversations and spending quality time together. The room has been equipped with ageappropriate toys, new seating, soft furnishings, and tea and coffee facilities.
Aidan MacDonald, Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist – TYA, "The refurbishment of the Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) family room was essential. This space is more than just a room – it's a sanctuary where patients and their families can find solace, connect, and briefly escape the clinical setting. Such areas are crucial for supporting emotional well-being during tough times, providing an age-appropriate space for younger visitors who might not otherwise be able to visit their loved ones on the 4th floor."
omnicell automated medicine cabinets
The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre recently installed two Omnicell automated medicine cabinets, made possible by a £182,683 grant from the charity. The automated medicine cabinets will help to free up more nursing time for face-to-face care, improve stock management, improve patient safety, reduce medicines waste, generate financial savings and enable patients to receive pain medication in a much quicker timeframe.
community news
kicking for a cause: clydebank comes together for ryan mcgill
On a bright Sunday in April, Clydebank Football Stadium was buzzing with energy and emotion as friends, family, and football fans came together for a cause close to many hearts, The Ryan McGill Charity Football Match.
The day didn’t end with the final whistle. The afterparty featured an auction, fundraising games, and plenty of laughter – all helping to raise an incredible £16,530.22 for the Beatson Cancer Charity.
Behind the event is a deeply personal story. In September 2024, Ryan McGill noticed a small lump after a game of 5-a-side football. What followed was a whirlwind: emergency surgery in November, a diagnosis of Stage 2 Germ Cell Cancer, and a quick start to chemotherapy in January 2025.
Throughout his treatment, Ryan was cared for at the Beatson, where he received unwavering support. His Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist, Aidan, went above and beyond, and the team even made space for Ryan’s girlfriend Megan to stay by his side during his most difficult nights.
The charity match was their way of saying thank you – and of making sure that future young patients have the same support, care, and comfort that Ryan did.
From everyone involved: thank you for showing up, cheering on, and making a difference.
a night to remember: romantic brass with john wallace
Back in February, The Cooperation Band – Scotland’s top brass band – lit up Sherbrooke Parish Church with a powerful performance alongside the amazing John Wallace.
Maisie and Evonne gave a heartfelt speech and sold merchandise in support. With powerful performances of music John arranged during his own cancer treatment, the concert beautifully blended history, talent, and emotion –celebrating resilience through music and community.
corporate news
lighting up the night: the kelpies experience!
On 21st February, 56 incredible participants came together for our first-ever Kelpies Experience, raising a fantastic £23,523 in support of our work. The event marked a powerful end to our 10th birthday year – and the Kelpies' 10th too – as they lit up yellow alongside the Falkirk Wheel and Stockingfield Bridge, symbolising hope and unity.
This unforgettable day was part of our ongoing Stirlingshire regional activity, helping to raise awareness of our services and bring communities together for a brighter tomorrow.
We were proud to be the first charity to take part in this unique event and are so grateful to Scottish Canals and Zone Events for making it possible.
A huge thank you to all 19 corporate teams who stood with us, and to everyone who joined in. We’re already looking ahead to the next Kelpies Experience on 17th October 2025 – we can’t wait to do it all again!
ferrifit’s 24-hour fitness challenge raises over £20,000
On March 7th, FerriFit’s 24hour fitness event brought together 400+ participants for a full day of activities –from martial arts and yoga to a midnight hoedown and DJ-led circuits.
Organised by owners Chris and Laura Ferri in honour of personal experiences with cancer, the event smashed its £5,000 goal, raising over £20,000.
run the runway
Back in November, over 1,000 participants gathered at Glasgow Prestwick Airport for the inaugural Run the Runway event, raising an impressive £150,000 for three charities: Beatson Cancer Charity, Ayrshire Hospice, and Doing It for Daniel. The event showcased remarkable community spirit and generosity, with organisers already looking forward to its return in 2025.
charity news
shaping the future:
lived experience group meets this month
This month, we’re proud to bring together another session of our Lived Experience Group - a space where individuals affected by cancer come together to share, reflect, and shape the future of care and support for others navigating a similar journey.
The lived experience of cancer is profound and deeply personal. For many, the journey doesn’t end with treatment – it continues through recovery, recurrence, and the daily effort of managing life with and after cancer. Our group exists to give a voice to those experiences, to acknowledge the gaps that still exist in access to care, emotional support, and practical resources, and to work together toward real, lasting improvements.
Participants bring a wealth of insight, not only from their own stories, but from the experiences of others they encounter – those struggling with confusing terminology, the emotional weight of diagnosis, and the frustrating barriers to financial or physical support. These stories highlight that while treatments continue to advance, the need for compassionate, accessible support remains as vital as ever.
For some, cancer sparks a change in direction – a new career, a new outlook, or a renewed sense of purpose. For others, it’s about navigating new challenges, like balancing family life, managing long-term side effects, or finding meaning in each day. What unites everyone in this group is the shared desire to make things better – not just for themselves, but for future generations.
The Lived Experience Group is a platform for action and advocacy. By contributing their voice, members help influence the development of services, the design of resources, and the broader understanding of what it means to live with cancer – not just survive it.
If you’re interested in learning more about our Lived Experience Group, please get in touch. Together, we can build a more informed, empathetic, and supportive future for all those affected by cancer.
survey groups
We recently held a series of focus groups with some of the amazing people who make up the Beatson Cancer Charity community – including stakeholders, volunteers, fundraisers, donors, and those with lived experience. These conversations helped us better understand what matters most to them and how we can do even more to support and connect with everyone involved. Their insights will help shape our future and make sure we’re always moving in the right direction together.
events
Dates for the Diary
beatson ball
6th September 2025
Join us at Cameron House for an evening filled with glitz, glamour and entertainment. It's the perfect excuse to get your glad rags on and party with friends, family or colleagues whilst raising funds for Beatson Cancer Charity. Enjoy a 3-course meal with a glass of fizz on arrival and be prepared to dance the night away.
£110 per ticket
£1,110 table of 10
strictly beatson
11th October 2025
Bryan Burnett will be your host for the night, guiding you through an unforgettable evening at the Hilton DoubleTree. After a glass of fizz and a 3-course meal, sit back and enjoy as 6 teams dazzle the dancefloor with a formation performance to their favourite musicals. Not to be missed!
£110 per ticket
£1,110 table of 10
• Bard & his Belles Burns – 16th January 2026
• Beatson Ladies Lunch – 22nd March 2026
• Sporting Dinner – 7th May 2026 (Sponsored by Allied Vehicles)
Our shop is not just a retail space; it’s a hub where the community comes together to support each other and make a lasting impact. Through your generous donations and purchases, we're able to fund groundbreaking research and compassionate care, all while building a sense of unity and purpose.
Tartan Thermal Cup
The 7 Chakras Box of Positivity
Gratitude Orb
Lucky Sixpence
Angel Figurine –Thank you
Large Shopper
Hat
volunteering
a record-breaking year!
We’re absolutely delighted to share that this past year has seen incredible growth in volunteer engagement at Beatson Cancer Charity. At a time when volunteer recruitment is one of the biggest challenges facing charities, Beatson Cancer Charity continues to hold a very special place in our volunteers’ hearts.
22,300 volunteer hours
564 volunteers
That’s a 20% increase in hours and a 23% rise in active volunteers compared to 2023/24!
This doesn’t happen by accident – it’s thanks to the strong relationships we’ve built with our volunteers and the fantastic support of our NHS colleagues. Together, we create meaningful opportunities for volunteers to support across the hospital – on wards, in chemotherapy units, outpatient clinics, the Wellbeing Centre, the Cafe, our volunteer hub, and our beautiful gardens.
Our volunteers bring kindness and compassion to the Beatson hospital, the Inverclyde Royal Hospital clinic, and Clinic P at the New Victoria, making these spaces even more welcoming for patients and their loved ones.
The wide variety of flexible roles means hundreds of volunteer hours are gifted every single week – bringing joy, purpose, and comfort to everyone involved.
We are truly grateful to every volunteer for their time, energy, and unwavering dedication –and to our NHS partners for making volunteers feel so valued and supported.
telephone befriending service
This year, our befriending service supported 97 people – with more community “Befriending Blether” events and in-person connections growing alongside our calls. Together, we’re making a lasting impact. Thank you for being part of it!
news from the beatson café
We’re incredibly grateful to our loyal customers and volunteers, whose dedication and support make the Café a warm and inviting place for everyone. Together, we’re creating a community of care that extends far beyond the Café walls.
Take a piece of the Beatson Café into your home by cooking our Chocolate Raspberry Brownies yourself!
ingredients
(Serves 16)
• 200g Dark chocolate chips from the baking section
• 85g Unsalted butter
• ¼ tsp Salt
• 150g Soft brown sugar
• 1tsp Vanilla extract
• 2 Large eggs
• 60g Ground almonds
• 35g GF flour
method
STEP 1
Preheat your oven to 180C/160C fan then grease and line an 8-inch square pan. Fold a double length of tin foil in the base of the pan to help you remove the brownies from the tin.
STEP 2
Melt the chocolate, butter and salt in a bowl, either in a low temperature microwave in bursts or in a bowl over a pan of gently simmering water. Don’t overheat the chocolate or allow any water to come into contact with the chocolate mixture. Leave it to cool for 8 – 10 minutes.
STEP 3
When cooled to room temperature, stir in the vanilla and sugar then break the eggs straight into the bowl and mix together. Add the ground almonds and GF flour and mix until there are no streaks.
STEP 4
Pour the mixture into the tin, smooth the surface then bake for 25 – 30 minutes. A wooden toothpick inserted into the centre should come out clean.
STEP 5
Remove the brownies and cool for an hour in the tin. If the brownies are too fudgy and difficult to cut, put them in the fridge to allow them to become firm.
Alternatively, don’t bother trying to make the brownies – come to the Beatson Café!
team beatson wishes
you a happy summer
leave a legacy of hope
Your gift could help fund the breakthroughs that save lives.
At Beatson Cancer Charity, research doesn’t just happen in a lab – it’s transforming lives, right now.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters like you, our scientists are making groundbreaking discoveries that are helping patients live longer, healthier lives. From pioneering collaborations with world-renowned universities to the development of personalised, targeted treatments, every breakthrough brings us closer to a future filled with more hope, more time, and more possibilities for those facing cancer.
Your support fuels hope, progress, and the promise of better tomorrows.
When you leave a gift in your will, you become part of that future, giving hope to generations to come. and with our free will service, it's easier than ever to leave a gift that truly makes a difference.
Find out how your legacy can live on: Visit beatsoncancercharity.org/legacy or call
Beatson Cancer Charity
The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre 1053 Great Western Road Glasgow, G12 0YN 0141 212 0505 | info@beatsoncancercharity.org www.beatsoncancercharity.org
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Registered Office: The Beatson
VAT No. 274839460 | Company
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