Beatson Cancer Charity Winter Newsletter by BeatsonCancerCharity

teambeatson Team Beatson Christmas Newsletter 2021 Look inside for latest news, essential information and support.

beatsoncancercharity.org

welcome

charity update

get in touch

We are delighted to share our Team Beatson Christmas Newsletter with you.

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We send a message to each of our volunteers, supporters and staff who have continued to be with us throughout 2021 and would like to say we are beyond grateful for the continued support. So please, grab a cuppa and enjoy our latest news. We are extremely thankful for your support which allows us to continue our work which has led to important discoveries within research and advancements in treatments.

contents 1

Service Update

Tribute Fund

fundraising@beatsoncancercharity.org

Christmas News

Befriending Service

Bauble Appeal

MRI Update

Our Investment

0141 212 0505

Fundraising Team

befriending@beatsoncancercharity.org

SHAWS

healthandworkservice@ beatsoncancercharity.org

News

Beat 6 Partnership

Our Support to You

To everyone affected by cancer we say, “we’re with you,” and in 2021, thank you for being with us.

Café, Volunteers and Recipe

Fundraising Highlights

Team Beatson

The Wellbeing Centre

info@beatsoncancercharity.org 0141 301 7439

beatsoncancercharity.org

Events

Martin Cawley CEO Beatson Cancer Charity

Hi all, Wow! What a year! Like every other organisation Beatson Cancer Charity has had to adapt and change in response to the challenges presented by COVID-19. Our resilience is strong however as we have not let this dominate or inhibit our ability to make a difference. Whilst our team may have been challenged at times, COVID-19 has not distracted us from our core objective and that is to make a difference and help support

people and their families through their cancer journey. We have innovated in everything that we do. From the way we deliver services to the way we raise our funds, we have formed new alliances and partnerships and pushed on regardless. We could not do any of this without your support and for that I want to say a massive thank you. I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and understand more about our work.

service update Due to COVID-19, we have adapted and slowly reintroduced some of our services to ensure that each person we support receives the care, love and hope that they absolutely deserve at this time. Please continue to check our website or phone a member of the Wellbeing Team to find out the latest opening times and arrangements for making appointments. Please contact:

info@beatsoncancercharity.org 0141 301 7439 1

visit our new tribute fund Thanks to funding from the Scottish Government’s Adapt and Thrive Programme, we have created a brand-new Tribute Fund Website. This is the perfect space for our supporters to remember someone special, whilst raising important funds for Beatson Cancer Charity. VISIT TODAY: beatsontributefund.org For more information on our tribute fund site, please email fundraising@beatsoncancercharity.org

did you know

our tribute fund site can also be used as a platform to gather your donations for fundraising events!

beat the christmas rush It’s almost time to “Step into Christmas”. This year we’ve decided you deserve more with 12 dazzling Christmas card designs to choose from! Our festive collection grows in popularity each year, so don’t delay in ordering your favourite design to send to your family and friends. Look out for our Scotty dog design wearing our unique Beatson Cancer Charity tartan. Looking for a special Christmas gift? Check out our gorgeous range of bespoke jewellery - perfect for adding a little sparkle to someone’s day. Browse our Online Shop: shop.beatsoncancercharity.org

christmas raffle 2021 kindly sponsored by property store ek We have enclosed a book of raffle tickets. There is no obligation to join in, however, every ticket sold will go a long way in helping to support those affected by cancer, this Christmas and beyond.

DID YOU KNOW....YOU CAN ALSO PLAY ONLINE! 2

beatsoncancercharity.org

1st prize: £1,000 cash 2nd prize: Next Gen Console kindly donated by Gamersheek, Buchanan Galleries

only £1 to enter

5 x 3rd prizes: Organic skincare gift set kindly donated by ishga Skincare

Visit: beatsoncancercharity.org/raffle The draw will take place on Fri 17th Dec 2021. If you’d like more tickets to share with friends, family and/or colleagues then please call 0141 212 0505 or email raffle@beatsoncancercharity.org

best of luck! 3

meet: jackie long | bauble appeal

see the difference | mri update

Jackie has been living with cancer for the last 9 years, here’s her story…

“I am so grateful to all of Beatson Cancer Charity’s supporters for their generous donations towards this life-changing MRI scanner. It’s so rewarding seeing the equipment being put into place, knowing that thousands of lives could be changed for the better”

In February 2012, I heard six life-changing words “you have mouth and throat cancer.” Soon after, I found out that I had a 30% chance of survival and that I would temporarily need to give up work. I was terrified - I wanted to see my son and daughter grow up, I wanted to meet my grandchildren. But here I am, 10 years later, living with cancer and feeling as positive as ever! Looking back to the day that I was diagnosed, I was definitely naïve to the enormity of the situation I had ahead. It was a scary journey, I spent 3 months in a hospital ward after getting part of my tongue removed, I could barely look at myself in the mirror – I looked like a completely different person. I then had 35 sessions of radiotherapy over 7 weeks, whilst learning how to speak, swallow and eat again. I’m still unable to eat or swallow, even water. But, thanks to the amazing doctors and nurses at The Beatson, I’ve been given a peg tube which allows me to go about my daily life. I feel incredibly lucky to be here now, telling my story, giving my grandchildren endless cuddles and giving back to the local community in any way that I can.

If the last 10 years have taught me anything, it’s that my love for Christmas will never disappear, and that hope is always around us. I’ll be spending this festive season giving presents to those I love and those in need, and of course, hanging my Beatson Bauble on my Christmas tree – to spread a little hope that got me through my toughest times, to those who need it now.

“I’m hanging my Beatson Bauble to give hope to those facing cancer this Christmas.” I will now be attending The Beatson for the rest of my life, but I truly feel like the luckiest person to have met the most motivational and understanding team of professionals who do so much for thousands of people like me. Please, donate to Beatson Cancer Charity’s Bauble Appeal this Christmas, to help people and families living with cancer get the care, love and hope that they deserve. Trust me, it will make a difference. To hang your very own Beatson Bauble, please visit – beatsoncancercharity.org/bauble or call 0141 212 0505.

SCAN HERE TO DONATE

Text BEATSON to 70560 to donate £10

This year, I’m sending hope to people facing cancer this Christmas by hanging a Beatson Bauble on my tree. It’s such a simple and special way to support people living with cancer right now.

March saw the launch of our ‘MRI Appeal’, when we asked our wonderful supporters to help fund a brand new, life-changing MRI Scanner, which will help The Beatson’s radiotherapy department take cancer treatment to a whole new level. We are delighted to announce that the Scanner has been installed in The Beatson, with the hope that it will be ready for clinical use in December. This would not have been possible without the generosity of our amazing supporters. Thank you!

SCAN HERE

to find out more and to view our film

I know first-hand just how crucial hope, generosity and love is during the most challenging times. Without the incredible care that I received from The Beatson, I simply wouldn’t be here, looking forward to another special Christmas with my 2 children and my beautiful grandkids.

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Eithne MacPherson, Head of Therapeutic Radiotherapy

beatsoncancercharity.org

did you

our mri appeal raised over £140,000!

know? Benefits include treating more complex cancers. • MRI scanning allows radiotherapy to become even more precise offering more protection to healthy tissue. • We’re creating a comforting waiting area to ease any stress and anxiety before an MRI scan.

our investment

wellbeing at home

Introducing My Light - our online space tailored to you. My Light is there to support you whenever you need it, wherever you are. This space will be updated with new content regularly to help you on your journey. Keep an eye out for updates on this platform. Whatever stage of your cancer journey you’re at, 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. Visit My Light beatsoncancercharity.org/my-light

Beatson Cancer Charity has awarded several grants over the years for enhancing The Beatson’s Breast Radiotherapy Service. During radiotherapy, breast cancer patients must use a special piece of equipment called a Breast Board to help with the delivery of the treatment. This ensures that radiotherapy only targets the tumour(s) and avoids surrounding healthy tissues. We offered Dr Abdulla Alhasso a £34,000 grant, at the end of 2020, to purchase four additional Breast Boards enabling the Beatson’s Breast Radiotherapy Service to: • Cut down on the movement of patients and existing Breast Boards between radiotherapy treatment rooms which will help to reduce the risk of infection (including coronavirus) • Increase the number of patients being treated at any one time • Reduce patient waiting times for radiotherapy treatments. • Reduce waiting times on the day of treatment for patients

we’re with you at home

Our series of videos focus on giving you practical support, virtually. Series one focuses on relaxation, meditation and mindfulness. Start with our introduction from our Head of Wellbeing, Claire, and go on to discover relaxing meditations delivered by some of our wonderful Wellbeing Team. We’re with You at Home series 2 features handy guides on how to care for your wig and how to tie a headscarf on yourself and someone else.

rewards

Beatson Rewards is our new exclusive membership card! Benefit from great deals, discounts and offers for 12 months with a Beatson Rewards Membership. For just a £20 annual membership fee you can join the club. You can also buy as a gift for only £25 which includes a gift box, with chocolate and a pen. That’s Christmas sorted!

You can read more about our Research and Funding case studies here: beatsoncancercharity.org/ grants-and-funding-case-studies

To find out more email wellbeingreferrals@beatsoncancercharity.org Please do share this with anyone who you think may benefit from the service. beatsoncancercharity.org

Kindly sponsored by Pacific Building

We have something for everyone. You can Stay, Dine, Relax, Socialise and Shop with amazing businesses throughout Scotland who have chosen to support us. With Beatson Rewards you can give a little, gain a little and make a difference. Find out more: beatsoncancercharity.org/beatson-rewards

We are delighted to be the official charity partner for Ceilidh Fest Glasgow 2021 which will take place from the 1st- 30th November across Glasgow.

virtual one-to-one sessions

• Enhance safety levels

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beatson

Find the “We’re with You at Home” videos at beatsoncancercharity.org/how-we-help/wellbeingservices/wellbeing-resources

Our virtual one-to-one relaxation sessions with our Wellbeing Team are available to all patients and families. These sessions aim to help reduce anxiety and stress by teaching simple techniques to promote wellbeing.

• Provide more flexibility for patient bookings

introducing

Why not show support and get your hands on our gorgeous Beatson Cancer Charity tartan! beatsoncancercharity.org/ceilidhfest

Shop here: shop.beatsoncancercharity.org

our support to you Our Specialist Health & Work service (SHAWs) practitioners continue to provide one-to-one and group support to those affected by cancer, 5 days a week. Our team can help plan for a future return to work, dispute resolution, support in formal workplace meetings, explore of new opportunities, whilst supporting those giving up employment.

U N I Q U E

F O O D

A N D

S O C I A L

G O O D

For more information on our SHAW service, please visit: beatsoncancercharity.org/how-we-help/health-workservice or call 0141 212 0505.

fear of recurrence and living with uncertainty The team behind the famed Six by Nico family of restaurants have opened their new restaurant Beat 6. With its home at 10 Whitehill Street, Dennistoun, it will see profits from the restaurant go directly towards supporting The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

Restaurateur Nico Simeone, his wife Valentina, and their family want to support Beatson Cancer Charity to help others in the same way it helped them. Nico’s wife Valentina benefited from The Beatson’s world-class treatment, in May 2015, at age 25, as she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

beat-6.co.uk 8 2

beatsoncancercharity.org

Email: befriending@beatsoncancercharity.org Call: 0141 212 0505

meet our team | marta correia

beatson befriending

What does your job involve? I support cancer patients, assisting them to make sense of their cancer experience and helping them to manage the emotional and psychological impact of their diagnosis.

We caught up with Robert (40) who is a patient at The Beatson and who uses the service.

What is the best part about working for Beatson Cancer Charity? The incredible team I get to be part of and the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of those affected by cancer.

“I was told about the befriending service at the hospital while going through my treatment. I really enjoy the calls as it is great to talk to someone who knows what you are going through, but is also interested in your day-to-day life. It’s great to talk to someone who has no prejudgment and is happy to listen. It has helped me with my mindset as going through cancer can be very emotionally draining. So, talking about my issues helps me and I feel good afterwards.

Supporters are encouraged to book at

Access the Befriending service online at: beatsoncancercharity.org/how-we-help/wellbeingservices/befriending-service

Thanks to Funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, we are now delivering our ‘Fear of Recurrence’ and ‘Living with Uncertainty’ virtual group programmes. These are available to those who struggle to live with the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis or who find the fear of cancer coming back overwhelming. To find out more, please visit: https://www.beatsoncancercharity.org/how-wehelp/group-support/

Our befriending service provides one-to-one telephone companionship from a fantastic team of volunteer befrienders. This service is offered to inpatients, outpatients, carers as well as those who have completed treatment for cancer and need essential contact and friendship.

The 34-cover restaurant will offer a regularly rotating tasting menu. We are very excited about this new opportunity and hope you will support.

This service has given me a platform to talk to people who want to help me through my low moments, but I also feel like I’ve made a true friend that I will continue to talk to for many years to come.”

Job position: Counselling Psychologist Describe your job in two words: Rewarding, Meaningful

What is your favourite part of Christmas Dinner? It has to be the roast potatoes and gravy! If you were to give one piece of advice, what would it be? Show yourself the same kindness and compassion that you show others in your life.

café Our friendly team continue to welcome

patients, families and staff into our cosy café on Level 0, Tom Wheldon building of The Beatson, 5 days a week, for delicious coffee, cake and hot food. With Christmas fast approaching, Bella is delighted to share her yummy mince pie recipe for you to try at home!

random act of kindness In September, Tracey popped in and bought a full tray of cakes to give out to the patients visiting the cafe. An extremely generous act of kindness!

volunteers

the heart of beatson cancer charity

Our Beatson Volunteers have been wonderful. Due to COVID-19 many of our volunteer services and lots of the support provided to patients has been suspended. We have started to plan for the safe return of these services and we are delighted to have volunteers back in the Day Case Unit with our much-loved tea trolleys. We have been holding a series of Welcome Back events for our volunteers to make sure we fully support their safe return to The Beatson, Inverclyde and the New Victoria Hospitals. “Beatson Cancer Charity is not the same without our volunteers so if you see our team; they are easy to spot in their yellow T-shirts; please say hello. I know they have really missed helping patients, their families and loved ones. We cannot thank our amazing volunteers enough for their kindness and commitment.” Marlyn Hosie, Volunteer Manager

Contact the Volunteering Team: volunteer@beatsoncancercharity.org 10 2

fundraising highlights

bella’s

mince pies INGREDIENTS: • 350g high quality mincemeat, preferably homemade • 200g plain flour, sifted • 40g golden caster sugar • 75g ground almonds • 125g unsalted butter, diced • 1 large free-range egg, beaten • milk, to glaze METHOD: 1. Lightly butter a 12-hole pie tin. Tip the mincemeat into a bowl and stir so that the liquid is evenly distributed. 2. Rub the butter into the flour, sugar and almonds until the mix resembles breadcrumbs, then stir in the egg. 3. Bring the mixture together with your hands, wrap in clingfilm, and chill for an hour. 4. Thinly roll out the pastry on a floured surface and cut out 12 circles with a fluted pastry cutter, large enough to fill the base of your tin. Press gently into each hole, then fill with the mincemeat. 5. Cut out another 12 slightly smaller discs and use to cover the mincemeat and seal. Make a small slit in the top of each, then brush lightly with milk. 6. Chill for about 30 minutes and preheat your oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. 7. Bake the pies for 20 minutes until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack and serve warm.

We are beyond grateful to our community and corporate fundraisers who continue to set themselves tough challenges, raising vital funds in 2021. • FIREWALK – 40 brave participants took part in our first rooftop firewalk, raising over £12,000 • PAWWALK – 250 supporters and their 4-legged friends raised over £7,000 • KILTWALK - 250 supporters walked for us in 2021, ranging from 5 to 70 years old, raising over £130,000. • BALLBUSTERS – 15 brave men took on a skydiving challenge, raising over £50,000 and counting! • GOLFDAYS – 18 separate golf days were hosted throughout 2021, raising over £17,000. WELL DONE TO

· The team from EnVisage Dentistry Tweedsmuir took part in a Marathon in May · Norman McKenzie mastered a 12-hour golf challenge · Eddie Boyle and friends completed a sponsored walk of the Rob Roy Way · Pampas Glasgow opened a three-week pop-up shop · Ross McKay organised The Wig’ed Weekend, a charity fishing competition.

ayrshire therapet who ‘saved owner’s life’ becomes our ambassadog Welcome to the new Beatson Ambassadog - 11-year old Milo the Bichon Frise won the public over following a public vote. Milo was nominated by his owner Erin, who went through cancer treatment 15 years ago.

Erin’s mum got Milo for her to try and help her through the difficult times she was facing. “We’re over the moon to find out Milo is the new Beatson Ambassadog – I feel so proud of him. I don’t think I’d be here without Milo. He’s saved my life numerous times.” Erin, owner of Milo

25-year old Erin Phairs from Irvine was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma when she was just 9-years old. Erin began to struggle with PTSD following her diagnosis. 11

beatson

winter celebration

coming Join us to reflect on the year whilst enjoying festive readings and uplifting music - the perfect opportunity to remember, celebrate, say thanks and give hope.

Full details available online

beatson virtual santa dash

soon gin & sing 16 Dec 2021

beatson banter Details to be announced

did you know?