Season greetings and welcome to our Winter Newsletter! What an incredible year it has been so far! We have so much to share with you. In the upcoming pages, you’ll find more about our efforts, inspiring stories, and updates on the innovative projects we both implement and support.
As I step into my new role as CEO, having been part of this amazing organisation for many years, I have continued to be inspired by the dedication and passion of everyone involved. From our committed team members and volunteers to our invaluable supporters, you all play a crucial role in our mission – whether you’re donating, volunteering your time or even sharing our message with friends it always makes a difference.
Most importantly, to all the people who allow us to be part of their lives and to share their experiences of cancer diagnosis and treatment with us – we are truly privileged to be with you in some of your most challenging moments. switchboard 0141 212 0505, www.beatsoncancercharity.org
welcome and general update
Your honesty and openness in sharing those experiences is at the heart of all we do and will always make us want to do more.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who has played a part in Team Beatson this year. Your unwavering support and encouragement inspires us to always be striving for better and to make meaningful impact in our community.
Wherever you are and whatever you are doing this year, we wish you and those you love a peaceful festive season. Have a peaceful festive time with family and friends.
Gillian Hailstones CEO, Beatson Cancer Charity
enquiries
301 7439, wigs@beatsoncancercharity.org
services update
While Christmas brings joy and togetherness, it can also amplify feelings of grief and loneliness, especially for those who have lost loved ones or are experiencing isolation. Memories of past celebrations can be both comforting and painful. However, during this season of giving, there’s hope.
bereavement support service
We will all experience grief and loss in our lives. How this impacts us can be different for everyone. If you are looking for some advice to help you manage your grief, we can help. Our specialist team offers support, advice, and guidance.
Scan here to read our Psychologist, Jemma Byrne’s piece about coping with grief through Christmas.
telephone befriending service
Our Telephone Befriending is a friendship service for people affected by cancer. The aim of the role is to help reduce anxiety, and loneliness. Our Telephone Befrienders make weekly telephone calls to their befriending clients to provide conversation and companionship.
virtual support
We offer bespoke one to one virtual sessions which explore relaxation, meditation and mindfulness. These can be done by phone or over video.
Listen on:
listen now
‘beatson talks’ hosted by laura boyd!
Life gets busy, and sometimes it’s easier to just sit back and listen. That’s where Beatson Talks comes in. Our brand-new podcast series brings you powerful, insightful conversations that dive deep into cancer research, support services, and personal stories from the Beatson Cancer Charity community.
Tune in to hear from leading experts, inspiring individuals, and many more as they share their experiences, offer practical advice, and discuss their hopes for the future.
listen now!
Episode 1: We’re With You Through Research
Episode 2: We’re With You Through Bereavement
Episode 3: We’re With You Through Living with Cancer
Episode 4: We’re With You Through Reflection
Episode 5: We’re With You Through Treatment
ambassadog
Beatson Cancer Charity proudly introduces Juno as the 2024 Ambassadog! Juno has been a comforting companion to her owner, Nicole Lowther, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2018 and relapsed with Stage 4 in 2023. Juno captured hearts at ‘Off the Beatson Track’, dressed as Bella Beatson, our mascot.
wellbeing services
At The Beatson, we offer a wide range of complementary therapies designed to support your well-being. Our services include soothing massages, relaxation sessions, reflexology, and manicures that feature beautiful nail art. These therapies are available to inpatients at The Beatson, within the day unit wards, and across our eight satellite locations. For more information about what we offer and how we can help you, please visit our website.
beatson bikers
Over 250 motorcycle enthusiasts took part in our Beatson Bikers event, sponsored by Glasgow Airport, raising over £14,000. The 90-minute ride started at Glasgow Cathedral and wound through iconic streets, finishing at the charity. Riders then gathered at the Beatson Café to relax, share stories, and celebrate their success. Look out for Beatson Bikers 2025!
giving tuesday
Beatson Cancer Charity is excited to support Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to generosity! It’s a fantastic chance for everyone to give back, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. By joining in, we hope to inspire our community to help make a real difference for cancer patients and their families.
#GivingTuesday
upcoming workshops
Join our workshops led by the specialist health and work service (SHAWS).
adjusting to working life following a cancer diagnosis
Online | 2-part
20th & 27th Nov | 1 – 2.30pm
During this workshop, we will support you in exploring the difficult physical and mental challenges of returning to work following a cancer diagnosis.
values-based living
Online | 30th Nov | 1 – 2.30pm
This session will help you clarify your values, what is important to you, the things in life that make it worth living and how you want your life to look like moving forward. This is especially relevant following an illness and a long-term absence from work.
For all future workshops please have a look at website for dates: beatsoncancercharity.org
beatsoncancercharity.org/my-light
Dedicate a bauble and help us support cancer patients and their families.
Text BAUBLE to 70460 to donate £10
scan or call 0141 212 0505 to donate
santa dash
sunday 8th december 10am
Route starting and finishing in Glasgow Green.
Entry cost: £16 (adult) and £6 (children under 16)
Ho ho ho! Here we go again!
Join us for this unmissable Christmas event, which will see hundreds of Santas dashing through a 5K route via Glasgow Green & The Gorbals. scan here to sign up don’t forget. please reuse last year’s santa t-shirt if you can!
Sponsored by GAP Group Ltd
book your place at this event:
research
scottish brain tumour research centre of excellence
Beatson Cancer Charity is joining forces with Brain Tumour Research to establish a research centre in Scotland dedicated to finding a cure for the most aggressive form of brain cancer.
The Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence will be based at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow. World-class brain cancer experts will focus on glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive tumour with an average survival time of just 12 to 18 months. With less than 1% of government funding allocated to brain tumour research, we aim to fund this vital 5-year initiative, which will cost approximately £2.3 million.
We need your support to make this vision a reality. Your donation could be the key to unlocking a breakthrough in brain tumour treatment. Please donate via our website.
grants digital slide scanner
Human tissue plays a key role in understanding exactly how the body works, why cancer might occur and what the possible treatment options are/could be. The Glasgow Tissue Research Facility (GTRF) supports researchers by providing tissue samples and advanced digital pathology services.
Thanks to a £76,000 grant from Beatson Cancer Charity, GTRF has upgraded to the Pannoramic1000, a high-capacity digital slide scanner which captures detailed images of tumour tissue on glass sides. This new technology will accelerate cancer research and help meet the growing demand for AI image-based research.
Christmas Card
Size (approx): 15x15cm (10 per pack)
£4.25 / pack
Christmas Card
Size (approx) : 15x15cm (10 per pack)
£4.25 / pack
Christmas Card
Size (approx): 15x15cm (10 per pack)
£4.25 / pack
Scented with a Christmas spice
£9.95
Kings bearing Gifts
Christmas Card
Size (approx): 15x15cm (10 per pack)
£4.25 / pack
Scented with a Christmas spice £15.95
Frosty Snowman
Fluffy Robin and Berries
Happy Penguin
Wild Fern Christmas Candle
Wild Fern Trio Gift Set
Explore our selection of high-quality Christmas buys, including luxurious home goods, premium accessories, and unique gifts. Spread joy this festive season by shopping the Beatson Cancer Charity Christmas range.
Eau Holy Night Christmas Multi-wick Candle
Multiple wicks with an enchanting fusion of seasonal scents
£29.95
Lucky Sixpence Christmas Tree
Finished with oak veneered wood and mounted on card
£9.50
Mistletoe & Wine Tin Candle
Delightful blend of festive scents
£7.95
Hanging Robin Keepsake
Finished with oak veneered wood and mounted on card
£5.95
Tartan Beatson Bell –Lucky Sixpence
Finished with oak veneered wood and mounted on card (2 options available)
£9.50
scan here to shop
Merry Christmas Bauble – Care Love Hope
Finished with oak veneered wood and mounted on card
£6.95
event highlights
off the beatson track
We’re excited to share that our 11th annual Off the Beatson Track, sponsored by Allied Vehicles, event on Sunday, 25th August, raised over £200,000 – even in the rain!
More than 2,500 participants joined the 10K walk through Glasgow’s west end, passing landmarks like The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and Kelvingrove Museum, finishing at the Riverside Museum.
Hosted by STV’s Laura Boyd and Heart Radio’s David Farrell, the event featured Zumba warm-ups by the Blister Sisters and local entertainment along the route.
mitie ball
Mitie Scotland and the North have gone above and beyond in supporting Beatson Cancer Charity this year! They hosted two sporting dinners, raising £13,829, held their first Golf Day at Shotts Golf Course for £6,500, and celebrated their 10th charity ball, which brought in an incredible £32,544.
trnsmt & summer sessions
84 volunteers supported the accessibility platform at TRNSMT in Glasgow Green, Scotland’s largest festival, ensuring everyone had an enjoyable concert experience. They also helped at the gates with wristband checks and conducted a bucket collection. Additionally, 15 volunteers joined us at the Edinburgh Summer Sessions at City Park over two weekends. A huge thanks to DF Concerts, in particular Geoff Ellis who recently joined as a Beatson Business Ambassador, for including us in this amazing event to raise awareness of our charity, and to our dedicated volunteers and team for making it all possible.
team beatson celebrates our
10th birthday!
volunteering spotlight
meet marlyn, our dedicated volunteer manager
Marlyn, our Volunteer Manager, has a knack for bringing people together, she has been instrumental in coordinating our volunteer efforts and ensuring that projects run smoothly.
From greeting visitors at reception to ward tea trolley volunteers to manning our café, tending to the gardens, our volunteers play invaluable roles within the hospital, each position is unique yet united by a common purpose: creating a welcoming atmosphere and safe space for everyone who enters our doors.
“...make it your goal today to make someone smile.”
Marlyn shared heartfelt insights into the profound impact these volunteers have. While their contributions may not always be measurable, the effects are felt deeply through the moments of joy and connection.
Expressing her gratitude, Marlyn finds inspiration in the kindness of our volunteers.
"If our volunteers teach us anything, it's the importance of reaching out. A simple call or giving a bit of your time can mean so much to someone. We’re proud to be part of the Care Services team, offering exceptional support to patients and their loved ones together."
our tea trolley service turns 10!
We are thrilled to announce that our beloved Tea Trolley Service is celebrating its 10th anniversary! For the past decade, our tea trolley has been more than just a mobile refreshment station; it has become a cherished part of our community, bringing warmth, and comfort.
café news
Can you believe that 93,121 customers used our café last year! Bring the taste of our Cafe into your home by making our millionaires shortbread.
ingredients
(Serves 16)
For the base:
• Shortbread biscuits, crushed (250g)
• Unsalted butter, melted (55g)
For the Caramel:
• Dark brown soft sugar (150g)
• Unsalted butter (150g)
• Carnation Condensed Milk (397g)
For the topping:
• Dark chocolate (200g)
• White chocolate (55g)
You will also need:
• 20cm brownie tin, lined with baking parchment with extra paper overhanging the edges
method
STEP 1
Add the crushed biscuits to a large mixing bowl and pour over the melted butter. Mix it together thoroughly until it resembles wet sand and decant into the lined tin. Spread the mix evenly across the base of the tin and press the mixture down firmly. Pop in the fridge to chill.
STEP 2
Gently heat the sugar and butter in a pan, stirring until melted. Add the condensed milk and bring to a rapid boil, stirring continuously. Cook for around a minute or until the filling has thickened. Pour the caramel over the base, then allow to cool. Once cooled, chill in the fridge until set.
STEP 3
Melt the chocolate in separate bowls. Pour the dark chocolate over the caramel and then add spoonfuls of the melted white chocolate. Swirl together with a spoon for a marbled effect that'll ensure your millionaire's shortbread recipe looks as good as it tastes.
Place back into the fridge to chill until set. Once set, dip a sharp knife into hot water and then use it to cut the shortbread into squares.
10 ways to fundraise this winter
1. santa dash
Join Beatson Cancer Charity at the Glasgow Santa Dash on 8th December! Run, jog, walk, or hop on your sleigh for a festive 5k!
3. carol singing or busking
Gather friends, family, or colleagues to sing festive carols in your community or local shopping area. Collect donations while spreading the festive spirit!
4. donate in lieu of gifts
Encourage donations to Beatson Cancer Charity instead of gifts. Offer a downloadable “gift donation” certificate for loved ones.
7. winter "swish" event
Clear out your wardrobe!
Host a clothes swap where participants donate to join and exchange preloved items.
9. winter pub quiz
Host a festive pub quiz with an entry fee and winter trivia to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
5. festive bake sale
Organise a bake sale at work, school, or your local community centre featuring seasonal treats like mince pies and Christmas biscuits.
10. christmas jumper day
Wear your silliest, or most sparkly Christmas jumper to work or school and donate to Beatson Cancer Charity.
2. festive raffle
Run a Christmas raffle with donated prizes like hampers and vouchers. A fun way to raise funds with a chance to win!
6. winter walking challenge
Walk 8,000 steps a day for 30 days and raise vital funds to support the 8,000 new patients treated at Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre each year.
8. donation bucket
Hosting an event already?
Request a donation bucket from Beatson Cancer Charity for attendees to contribute easily. Or why not pop a can in your local shop?
For a fundraising pack, or to speak to the team email fundraising@ beatsoncancercharity.org or call 0141 212 0505
legacy giving
introducing our new legacy giving program: make a lasting impact
We're excited to introduce our Legacy Giving Program – your chance to make a lasting difference in supporting vital care, research, and services. By leaving a gift in your Will, you can help us continue providing essential support for future generations.
Why legacy giving?
Leaving a legacy is a meaningful way to support what matters most to you. Your gift can fund research, assist patients and families, and help us make lasting progress for years to come.
We’re also thrilled to welcome our new Legacy Officer, Tegan Lynn. Tegan is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have about leaving a legacy gift.
For more information, contact Tegan at tegan.lynn@beatsoncancercharity.org or 0141 212 0505. Full details can be found from our website, search for ‘legacy’.
“I’m delighted to join Beatson Cancer Charity team and help supporters consider how they can leave a lasting legacy. Together, we can shape a brighter future for generations to come.”
Tegan
Lynn, Legacy Officer
plan for tomorrow: introducing our new free will-writing service
Did you know that around two-thirds of adults in the UK don’t have a Will? Writing a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and the causes you care about.
Why write a Will?
Having an up-to-date Will is the only way to ensure your wishes are carried out as you want them, providing peace of mind for you and your family.
how it works
We’ve partnered up with the National Free Wills Network so that you can create a legally valid Will with the help of a local, vetted solicitor for free!
1 2 3
Request your free Will pack
Your National Free Will Network pack includes a stepby-step guide on how to use the service and a list of your six nearest participating solicitors.
Choose your solicitor
Select your preferred local solicitor from the options provided and make an appointment.
Make your Will Work with your chosen solicitor to create or update your Will.
how to get started
To learn more about our Free Will Service or to begin your Will today, please visit beatsoncancercharity. org/get-involved/ your-will-your-legacy or contact our legacy officer Tegan or 0141 212 0505.
wellbeing support
patient wellbeing is important to us
We offer a wide variety of wellbeing services including stress management, relaxation, massage, reflexology, hairdressing and wig fitting service, reiki, manicure, pedicure, facials and foot care at the following locations:
• Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for inpatients of Wards 4B and 4C and palliative care referrals.
• New Victoria Hospital for day patients attending Clinic P.
• Glasgow Royal Infirmary specific inpatient wards.
• Vale of Leven Hospital day patients attending Haematology and Oncology ward.
• The Vale of Leven Health and Care Centre for outpatients and their families.
• Royal Alexandria Hospital for specific inpatient wards and day patients attending Haematology and Oncology wards.
• Inverclyde Royal Hospital day patients attending Haematology and Oncology wards.
• Lanarkshire Beatson for outpatients attending radiotherapy and their families.
Please note services vary at each location. We would be happy to provide more information about the support on offer. For any enquiries, please contact the Wellbeing Centre directly on 0141 301 7667.
beatson ball
A Night to Remember: The Beatson Ball at Cameron House Resort.
On Saturday, 7th September, the glamourous Cameron House Resort played host to the Beatson Ball.
One of the evening’s highlights was our mission to secure sponsorship for VeinSights and Mobile Stands, each valued at £4,000. These innovative vein finders digitally display a real-time map of veins on the skin’s surface, significantly enhancing patient care and reducing distress during IV procedures.
The event, sponsored by Ellen Kane Trust, was a resounding success, filled with elegance, generosity, and a shared commitment to improving patient care.
We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to the incredible generosity of our attendees, we successfully sold all 10 VeinSights at the Ball!
Upcoming Dates for Diary
the bard & belles burns supper
Friday 17th January 2025
Hilton Glasgow
Sponsored by Arnold Clark
£90 per ticket
£900 table of 10
£1080 table of 12
sporting dinner
Thursday 8th May 2025
Hilton Glasgow
Sponsored by Allied Vehicles
£110 per ticket
£1100 table of 10
£1320 table of 12
For tickets and information please call 0141 212 0505 or susan.brodie@ beatsoncancercharity.org
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
