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team beatson A Year of Making a Difference Winter Newsletter 2026

beatsoncancercharity.org

winter

newsletter 2026

07 Fundraising

13 Grants

Welcome & General Update

Volunteering

Wellbeing

Festive Events

Outreach Services

Ambassadog 2026/27

Bauble Appeal 2026

Trading & Cafe Inspiration

Whether you’ve just started treatment, you’re living with cancer, or supporting a loved one, access My Light for advice blogs, information articles and helpful videos, tailored to every stage of your cancer journey.

beatsoncancercharity.org/my-light

get in touch Switchboard 0141 212 055 www.beatsoncancercharity.org

Fundraising Team fundraising@beatsoncancercharity.org

Befriending Service befriending@beatsoncancercharity.org

Wigs 0141 301 7439

Volunteering volunteer@beatsoncancercharity.org

The Wellbeing Centre 0141 301 7667 info@beatsoncancercharity.org

Group Support Living with Uncertainty and Fear of Recurrence programmes supportservices@beatsoncancercharity.org

Bereavement Support bereavementsupport@ beatsoncancercharity.org

SHAWS healthandworkservice@ beatsoncancercharity.org

welcome & general update Every day at Beatson Cancer Charity, we see the impact that compassionate support can have on people affected by cancer and those closest to them. This year’s Winter Newsletter reflects that impact as we look back on “A Year of Making a Difference” and celebrate what we have achieved together throughout 2026. Throughout these pages, you’ll read stories that highlight the many ways people have supported our work. From the comfort and reassurance provided through our Wellbeing Centre to the dedication of our volunteers, fundraisers and supporters, each story reflects the strength of our Beatson community. What makes these achievements so meaningful is the role that each of you has played. Whether through a donation, a fundraising effort or simply helping to raise awareness, your support helps us continue to be there for people when they need us most. As I look back on the past year, I feel incredibly proud of all that we have achieved together. Above all, I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported Beatson Cancer Charity and helped make a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer. Thank you for being part of our community. Your support means so much to us, and together we can continue making a difference for people affected by cancer, both now and in the years to come. Warm regards,

Gillian Hailstones CEO Winter Newsletter 2026

wellbeing

care that goes beyond treatment While receiving cancer treatment at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), Elizabeth was facing one of the side effects she dreaded most: losing her hair.

During this uncertain time, Lisa Smith from Beatson Cancer Charity’s Therapy Team was there to provide support, reassurance, and a listening ear. Knowing Elizabeth was due to return home from QEUH, Lisa arranged for her wig fitting and collection to take place closer to where she lived, helping to remove some of the stress from an already challenging time. The wig helped Elizabeth regain confidence at a significant point in her treatment journey, making her feel more like herself again. Most importantly, she felt listened to and cared for throughout the process. While every person’s experience is different, stories like Elizabeth’s highlight the importance of compassionate, person-centred support.

from pottery painting to french word games • Weekly Pottery Painting Sessions Get creative by painting small ceramic models and wooden shapes, from hearts and bookmarks to robins and Easter eggs. • Weekly Art Sessions Every Sunday afternoon, lead by a local volunteer in a relaxed and welcoming setting. • Diamond Art Sessions Create key-rings and pictures using tiny decorative pieces. The detailed activity provides a calming focus.

Creative and Social Activities

• French Sessions - Parlez vous francais? Led by a French-speaking member of staff, these word lotto sessions suit everyone from beginners to bilingual speakers.

Our Wellbeing Centre offers a welcoming range of creative and social activities, giving patients time away from the focus of illness while creating opportunities to relax, connect and spend quality time with friends and family.

• Guitars Our guitars are available for patients and friends to play, whatever their experience. Self-learning manuals are provided for anyone who would like to learn.

Beatson Cancer Charity

all the little things... What patients said about the Wellbeing Centre For more information and advice on all our services, sessions or to book an appointment please call

0141 301 7667

For many people affected by cancer, the Wellbeing Centre is much more than just a physical space. Those who visit it describe it as “a special place”, “a beautiful sanctuary” and “an important space that allows us to escape during the darkest times”. So, what makes it so special? Often, it’s the little things. A smile and warm welcome. A quiet place to sit before treatment. A cup of tea. A chance to talk about everyday life. Those receiving treatment frequently speak about the calming environment, the kindness of staff and volunteers, and the opportunity to simply be themselves. Over a few biscuits and a hot drink, conversations can drift to family, favourite hobbies and everyday life, offering a welcome distraction from treatment.

Winter Newsletter 2026

As one visitor explained, these interactions helped them feel like “a person with skills and hobbies and likes and dislikes, not just a patient.” A patient sums it up:

You were all kind and made me feel better about things when in the Wellbeing Centre. This was my first time in hospital, it was a difficult time away from home. All the staff and volunteers were amazing. You have made my journey a memorable one.

outreach services

living with uncertainty Living with Uncertainty is a six-week group programme supporting people living with cancer.

The programme focuses on reconnecting with what is important to you and exploring how to live a life that aligns with those values.

While another said it had given them practical techniques and greater confidence to manage uncertainty moving forward.

It brings people together to create small communities of support, giving participants the chance to share their experiences with others who are also living with cancer. One participant explained:

Despite being a short intervention, the impact is significant, with participants reporting an average increase of 20.8% in wellbeing scores and an average 42% decrease in anxiety scores from pre-group to follow-up.

Hearing others’ experiences helped me realise I wasn’t alone. These informal connections and support often continue long after the group ends. In the group, participants learn how to live alongside the uncertainty that living with cancer can bring. Using an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach, the sessions explore how to respond to challenging thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed. One participant described the programme as:

Being guided through your experiences and emotions rather than being consumed by them.

Group facilitator Susan Clark said:

Our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach helps people to understand why uncertainty is so challenging for our minds and teaches simple techniques to help them respond to challenging thoughts and emotions through the lens of self-compassion. For many participants, the programme offers a space to feel understood, reconnect with what matters and move forward with greater confidence.

Find out more about this group programme and more at beatsoncancercharity.org/how-we-help/group-support or contact us at supportservices@beatsoncancercharity.org

Beatson Cancer Charity

Text BAUBLE to 70580 to donate £10*

Winter Newsletter 2026

Gifts in wills are more important than ever. Your legacy could bring hope to thousands affected by cancer. Leaving a gift in your Will to Beatson Cancer Charity is an immensely valuable and meaningful way to ensure future generations will benefit from the very best cancer care and treatment possible.

request a free will guide legacy@beatsoncancercharity.org

beatsoncancercharity.org/legacy

To find out more, call us on 0141 212 0505 or visit beatsoncancercharity.org/legacy

events

over

£240,000

yellow yogis Some events are about so much more than the money they raise, and Yellow Yogis was certainly one of them. The idea for Yellow Yogis came from one of our Business Ambassadors, Mike Smith, who wanted to raise funds for Beatson Cancer Charity and bring together a community of new and existing Beatson supporters, patients and Wellbeing Centre users, along with their families and friends.

Almost two years in the making, and with the support of fellow Beatson Business Ambassadors that idea grew into an incredible new community of sponsors, corporate partners and community supporters. The result? A truly unforgettable day celebrating the people, connections and kindness that make such a difference to the lives of those affected by cancer. More than 1,200 people of all ages and abilities came together at the SEC Glasgow on Sunday 13th September, united by a shared passion for supporting Beatson Cancer Charity. Among them were patients, families and friends whose lives have been touched by the Beatson and the invaluable support of our Wellbeing Centre. Seeing so many people come together, each with their own story and reason for being there, was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Jenny Powell kept us entertained as host, Scottish

Winter Newsletter 2026

singer/songwriter Cammy Barnes treated everyone to an intimate performance (and even attempted a few yoga poses!) and the Kilted Yogi, Finlay Wilson, lead everyone through their poses. Sanjeev Kholi also welcomed everyone into our very own Hall of Poses before the class began. Together, we raised over £240,000 to support the Beatson Wellbeing Centre, an achievement that makes us incredibly proud and will make a real difference to the people who rely on its services. To every sponsor, supporter, participant, volunteer and member of Team Beatson who helped bring Yellow Yogis to life – thank you. You made the planning, the hard work and every single downward dog worthwhile. Yellow Yogis was a wonderful reminder that when people come together for a cause they believe in, extraordinary things can happen. And that’s certainly something worth celebrating as we look back on 2026.

community

david jeffrey Sponsored Walk • Pop Up Shop Braemar to Aviemore • 19 Miles

cherlyn & calum fraser Static Bike Ride Challenge • 1,650 miles

£7,013.76 £11,380.75 David Jeffrey was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in May 2023 and wanted to give something back to the Beatson for the tremendous care he received. He organised and took part in a sponsored walk of the Lairig Ghru from Braemar to Aviemore in June and also had a pop-up cake and treats shop in Langholm (Dumfries and Galloway) – mostly baked by his wife, who kindly brought in some lovely baking for us all to try at the cheque presentation.

Cherlyn is battling Stage 4 bowel and liver cancer, and her and her husband Calum organised this amazing challenge that took place on Sunday 26 July this year. PureGym lent the bikes, Silverburn allowed the floorspace and have also donated £1,246.15 – the total is sitting at £7,013.76! “We were overwhelmed by the number of card and cash donations on the day”. BCC staff, Maisie and Evonne joined in, cycling some of the miles in the relay with Calum and Cherlyn. Calum is the Mall Manager at Silverburn and has had tremendous support from them, PureGym staff, his colleagues, family, and friends.

David’s Fundraiser for Beatson Cancer Charity

The Frasers Fundraiser for Beatson Cancer Charity

https://www.justgiving.com/ page/gunther-jeffrey-1

https://www.justgiving. com/page/the-frasers-1

Beatson Cancer Charity

al, gina & mark lightbody Tour de 4 2026 • 38 Mile Cycle

£1,220

north argyll young farmers Ben Nevis • In Memory of Dougie MacDonald “On Sunday, July 5th our club [took] part in a charity hike up Ben Nevis. The Beatson Cancer Charity is held close to our hearts as they supported Dougie and his family during his battle with cancer earlier this year. We would like all donations to go to this charity so they can continue their hard and meaningful work to families who are in similar circumstances.”

£8,195

Al was diagnosed with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer and cancer in the bone in November 2023. This is the second time Al has taken part, and this year he was joined by his son, Mark.

platform bar and suites

“The event is about showing that a diagnosis does not define a person, and highlighting what life with Stage 4 cancer can look like: strength, resilience and determination.

Charity Football Match • Charity Night

All funds raised will go to charities supporting people affected by Stage 4 cancer. If you’re able to donate or share, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every contribution helps provide vital support and care.”

Organised by Stacey Gallagher, Platform Bar and Suites held its annual football fundraiser for a third year. The event raised a total of £10,510 bringing the total to more than £20,000 raised by the local pub.

£10,510

My Tour de 4 2026 Fundraiser to Fight Cancer https://gofund.me/0fdf7ca38

Winter Newsletter 2026

fundraising

off the beatson track Our fun-filled 6.5-mile walk is fully accessible, suitable for all ages, and provides a fantastic day out for the whole family. This year’s event matched the scale and success of previous years, with entertainment along the route and a brilliant atmosphere back at the Riverside Museum. Participants enjoyed live music, activities, food, and plenty of fun throughout the day, making it a memorable celebration for everyone involved. Despite the weather doing its best to challenge us, thousands of supporters came together to take part in our biggest and brightest event of the year. We were delighted to see so many families, friends, teams, and supporters joining us to walk, celebrate, and raise vital funds.

£205,183

Thanks to everyone who took part, fundraised, volunteered, or cheered from the sidelines. Your support will help us continue to provide vital services for patients and families living with cancer. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s Off the Beatson Track such a spectacular success.

london marathon This year, an incredible team of runners proudly represented Beatson Cancer Charity at the London Marathon, taking on the challenge while raising vital funds to support people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland. Together, Team Beatson has raised more than £28,500 – an amazing achievement! A huge thank you to everyone who took part, from those who trained and fundraised to those who supported their fellow runners along the way. We’re so proud of Team Beatson for representing the charity at such an iconic event.

£28,500+

Beatson Cancer Charity

team beatson

Titchy Photography

Winter Newsletter 2026

listen to over

episodes Hosted by Laura Boyd

beatsoncancercharity.org /beatson-talks Tune in to the award-nominated podcast, platforming open and honest conversations around cancer.

subscribe now on your favourite platforms

Nominee

grants

Winter Newsletter 2026

volunteering

698

volunteers 2025/26

In the last financial year 2025/26, an incredible 698 people volunteered to support Beatson Cancer Charity. They all volunteered in different ways, in different roles and in a way that works for them. A total of 22,602 hours were gifted. One thing that unites all of our volunteers is the impact they have and the difference they make. Read on to hear from some of our volunteers, in their own words, about their volunteering experiences.

sarah’s story who make such a difference every day but more so to the patients themselves, every conversation leaves an impact. Meeting people who are fighting battles I can barely comprehend. People whose own bodies have turned against them. Yet somehow they still find the strength to smile, laugh, ask how your day is going, and brighten the room for everyone around them.

Today I spent a day volunteering at the Beatson Cancer Charity hospital, supporting the chemotherapy day units, chatting with patients, serving teas and coffees, catching up with my befriending client and his partner, and helping with the tea trolley in outpatients. People often say, “That must be so hard and emotional.” The truth is, every time I leave, my spirits are higher than when I arrived. I feel incredibly fortunate that Aviva gives me the opportunity to spend time with some of the most courageous, funny, and kind-hearted people I’ve ever met. From the amazing volunteers and staff

Their courage is extraordinary. Their humour is infectious. Their kindness is overwhelming. I honestly don’t know how to put into words the impact these patients have on me. I go there thinking I’m giving my time, but the truth is I receive so much more than I could ever give back. Today was one of those days that makes you stop and appreciate what’s really important. To every patient I spoke to today: thank you. You may never realise it, but you inspire me more than you’ll ever know. A truly special day.

Beatson Cancer Charity

lisa’s story I recently volunteered at the Beatson Ball 2026, where an incredible £80K+ (and counting!) was raised. An amazing reminder of what can happen when people come together for something that really matters.

thank you & good luck! We said goodbye (for now) and good luck to another two of our aspiring doctors as they head off to study medicine at University.

I volunteer — partly as a way of giving back, after my own experience accessing the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. There are lots of ways to get involved, from the Ward, Tea Trolley and Cafe to helping in the Wellbeing Centre or supporting events.

Tate (left) and Jacques (right) have been volunteering with Margaret on the tea trolley for two years. They have been volunteering after school, Tate on a Wednesday and Jacques on a Thursday, racking up nearly 150 hours between them.

The team are genuinely wonderful. If you’re looking for a way to give something back, I’d really recommend getting involved. A massive thank you to each and every Team Beatson volunteer for supporting us! Another year of making a difference.

We want to wish them both all the very best as they set off to Dundee University and St Andrew’s University respectively. A massive thank you to Margaret for supporting them both so beautifully.

Lisa pictured left

telephone befriending service Our Telephone Befriending service offers vital one-to-one support for people affected by cancer, helping to reduce loneliness through regular, friendly conversations. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, we’d love to hear from you. befriending@beatsoncancercharity.org

Winter Newsletter 2026

Beatson Cancer Charity’s Santa Dash is b ack in town on 6 December at Glasgow G reen. Run, jog, walk or hop on your s leigh - it’s time to do your festive 5k!

13 December 2026 Glasgow Cathedral • 3 - 5pm Please join us at our Beatson on Christmas Celebration on Sunday 13 December at the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral with Reverend Mark Johnstone as we bring you the true spirit of the season to Celebrate, to Remember, to give Thanks and to have Hope. Proudly sponsored by Park Lane and hosted by Alison Walker, the afternoon will be filled with festive entertainment. Readings from special guests will give us the chance to reflect with Charity’s Bauble Appeal, by writing your dedication on a bauble which you can hang on the Cathedral’s Christmas tree. 16

Reserve your free place Available to stream for those who cannot attend in person

meet nico

our ambassadog 2026/27!

Each year, we select a very special dog to join Team Beatson and help us represent Beatson Cancer Charity. After 3,384 public votes, we are delighted to introduce Nico, the three-year-old Toy Poodle, as our new Ambassadog! Nico came into his owner Natalie’s life as a gift from her dad and brother during a difficult time. When Natalie was later diagnosed with cancer, Nico became a constant source of support, staying by her side through hospital stays and her transplant journey. He also brought comfort to Natalie’s dad before he sadly passed away from cancer. Nico has already brought so much positivity to those around him, and we’re delighted to see him take on his new role and become part of Team Beatson. Nico’s first big event as our Ambassadog will be the Santa Dash on Sunday 6 December. Be sure to keep an eye out for Nico at events and across our social channels as we share his adventures throughout his year as Ambassadog. We’ve loved getting to know so many wonderful dogs and their owners through Ambassadog this year. Thank you to everyone who took part and shared their stories with us.

Winter Newsletter 2026

trading

top 12 christmas buys

Warm and Cosy Santa Christmas Card

Pink Door Christmas card

Hitching a Ride Christmas card

Size (approx): 15x15cm (10 per pack)

£4.25 / pack

Oil Painting Robin Christmas card

“Happy New Year” Tartan Beatson Bell

“Bonnie Scotland” Tartan Coaster

Size (approx) : 15x15cm (10 per pack)

Finished with oak veneered wood with a silver ribbon

Finished with oak veneered wood with wool

£4.25 / pack

£9.95

£7.95

scan here to shop 18

Beatson Cancer Charity

Bubba Pearl Teddy Bear with Tartan Bow Tie

Beatson Tartan Pashmina Shawl

Bespoke Heart Tie Pin

Size: H 40.5 x L 51.0 x W 38.0 cm

Size: 200 cm x 70 cm

Size: H 2 x W 7 x D 2 cm Silver nickel plating Supplied in a black velour box

£35.00

£25.00

£15.00

Highland Cow Christmas Ornament

Bagpipe Santa Christmas Ornament

Beatson Hanging Heart Ornament

Size: H 8 x W 9 x D 1 cm Finished with oak veneered wood with a silver ribbon

Size: H 14 x W 8 x D 1 cm Finished with oak veneered wood with a silver ribbon

Size: H 7 x W 7 x D 2 cm Silver nickel plating with a short satin yellow ribbon

£6.95

£7.95

check out the full range at: shop.beatsoncancercharity.org Winter Newsletter 2026

trading

café inspiration Heart warming soup to cosy up with this winter

ingredients • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion (chopped) • 2 carrots (chopped) • 3 large celery sticks (chopped) • 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped) • 2 tbsp tomato purée

• 1.2 litres/2 pints vegetable or chicken stock, made from stock cubes • 400g tin cannellini beans, (drained and rinsed)

• ¼ head green cabbage, (finely shredded) • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 100g/3½ dried spaghetti, broken into short lengths

• 400g tin chopped tomatoes

method STEP 1

STEP 3

STEP 5

Heat the olive oil in a large lidded saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery, season with a little salt and pepper and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables have softened.

Tip in the tomatoes and stock. Cover with a lid and bring slowly to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.

Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

STEP 2 Add the garlic and fry for another minute. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for a further 3 minutes.

STEP 4 Add the beans and pasta and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked. Add the cabbage and cook for another 2 minutes. If the soup is too thick, add some hot water to reach your preferred consistency.

Beatson Cancer Charity

upcoming dates 2027 for the diary the beatson hoolie Friday 15 January 2027 at Hilton Glasgow

15th January 2027

£99 / per ticket £990 / table of 10 £1180 / table of 12

glasgow ladies lunch Sunday 21 March 2027 at Hilton Glasgow £65 / per ticket £650 / table of 10 £780 / table of 12 Main Sponsor

21st March 2027

Event Sponsors Sweet Jane Bakehouse Caroline Strachan Permanent Makeup

sporting dinner Thursday 6 May 2027 at Hilton Glasgow £115 / per ticket £1150 / table of 10 £1380 / table of 12

6th May 2027