2023|24 annual review
welcome a message from our chair and chief executive
Dear Friends,
As we look back on the past year, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support and commitment from our community. This year has been a journey of resilience, growth, and remarkable achievements, all made possible by the collective efforts of our donors, staff, volunteers, and partners.
In the face of numerous challenges, our charity has not only persevered but has also flourished. We have expanded our services, reached more individuals in need, and made significant progress towards our mission of Beatson Cancer Charity. Each milestone we have reached is a testament to the power of our impact across the last decade. We are so very proud of the progression of this charity, within a relatively short period of time. We are excited to see our BIG 10 campaign underway, showcasing ten years of the many ways we support patients and their families. Ten years of countless stories and achievements of patients and supporters who have benefitted from our charitable giving.
This annual review highlights the impactful stories, the progress we have made, and the lives we have touched. It is a celebration of what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared vision and purpose.
I would encourage you to follow our digital content on social media and take time to watch our films on our website to understand fully our work, services and the impact we share.
Thank you for your continued support and belief in our work. Together, we are making a lasting difference.
Martin Cawley CEO Beatson Cancer Charity
Jamie Matheson Chairman
about beatson cancer charity
Beatson Cancer Charity supports people affected by cancer, every step of the way, from the hospital wards right to the heart of the communities we serve. We believe everyone should experience their cancer treatment with care, love, and hope.
Over the past decade, Beatson Cancer Charity has established itself as a cornerstone of the community, providing a comprehensive range of services that address the medical, emotional, and practical needs of those affected by cancer.
Our values are at the forefront of everything we do: being personcentred; authentic, honest and transparent; compassionate and caring; inspirational and innovative; collaborative and committed to excellence.
The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre is one of the busiest cancer centers in the UK based on clinical activity and patient numbers. It is also the second largest cancer centre in the UK delivering all radiotherapy and much of the chemotherapy to the population of the west of Scotland. We fund many NHS specialist staff posts, all situated in The Beatson.
These funded posts specialise across all areas of activity including radiography, clinical and medical oncology as well as research and clinical trials.
As a charity we offer patients the opportunity to use the Wellbeing Centre based on the fourth floor, a unique space in The Beatson designed to be a calming environment to support patients out with the wards and clinics.
Over the next three years, we will work in partnership to deliver against a strategy that aims to raise more than £20million. All our work is made possible by our supporters. It is their generosity which allows Beatson Cancer Charity to deliver an innovative and patient focused approach to cancer care and helps us change the lives of those affected by cancer.
our brand is synonymous with bringing positive changes to cancer care;
our role
Our impact at every stage is crucial in helping make a difference. We fulfil this by delivery of services and funding initiatives to support people wherever they are on the cancer care pathway.
This ‘motto’ underpins our mission, our values based on trust, compassion and social impact.
our values
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. we provide support in satellite units
our year at a glance
80 major givers & trusts
It’s our 10th birthday 1,642 JustGiving pages
Fun Fact 11,000 baked potatoes prepared
2,727 Kiltwalkers
1600 Beatson heart badges sold
2,384 guests attended our Beatson events Over £118k raised from our appeals
103 Schools & Education Donors Over 10,000 individual donors
care services wellbeing
Based at the main entrance of The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, our Welcome desk team continued to provide a warm welcome to all visiting the hospital providing vital support and information.
12,482 welcome desk enquires answered
In January 2024, we launched a joint project with our NHS Psychology colleagues to help support patients experiencing Anticipatory Nausea and Vomiting. Our team created bespoke sensory kits designed to manage symptoms. There are plans to roll this project out wider in 2024/25.
wellbeing centre
Our Wellbeing Centre continues to thrive, offering essential support to patients, families, and loved ones throughout their cancer journey. With services like wig fitting, podiatry, and holistic treatments, we provide comprehensive care. This year, we’ve made a meaningful impact and remain dedicated to supporting even more people across eight satellite locations and The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. During the summer of 2023 we hit a milestone of 100,000 therapies delivered across all our sites since 2014!
18,912 visits to the wellbeing centre
“This is the first time I have left The Beatson without crying after my radiotherapy. After chatting with you and the staff in the Wellbeing Centre, I feel like I have gotten a hug, not physically but I can feel the hug around me” June 2023
“Thank you for your kind help and support, those wonderful massages and the great chat, your treatments kept me going and kept me feeling good” February 2023
care services group programmes
Our group programmes include two distinct groups designed to support participants dealing with the challenges and worries of a cancer diagnosis: Living with Uncertainty and Fear of Recurrence.
The Fear of Recurrence programme is tailored for individuals who are concerned about their cancer returning, which can significantly affect their mood, work, relationships, and overall enjoyment of life. The Living with Uncertainty programme is aimed at those living with cancer and the uncertainties it presents. It focuses on helping participants lead a meaningful life while navigating the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. These programmes are available for all cancer types, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
fear of recurrence
Our 6-week group programme is based on acceptance and commitment therapy. It aims to support people who experience distress about their cancer returning which is impacting their daily lives. It provides an opportunity for people to make positive steps to live a life which is meaningful to them.
living with uncertainty
This group programme is for people who are living with cancer. Based on acceptance and commitment therapy it provides an opportunity for people to reconnect with their values. It supports them to explore what is truly important to them while living with the uncertainty that cancer brings.
Groups programmes held New group participants 11 97
We started working with a researcher from The University of Glasgow on a qualitative evaluation of our Fear of Recurrence programme. This will allow us to share learning and understand the participants experience of the groups or explore areas for improved engagement.
41 individuals responded to the Fear of Recurrence Feedback Survey in the period April 2023 – March 2024 feedback survey
100%
“It was good to be with others who understood and could empathise with what I had experienced. It was really helpful to learn new skills and techniques to handle challenges.”
Found the group helpful, overall 100% Were very likely to recommend the programme to others 93% Believed the programme met their expectations
care services bereavement support service
In its first full year, our bereavement service has made a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of individuals and families. Thanks to the dedication of our team and supporters, we’ve provided essential emotional support, helping people navigate their grief and improve their overall wellbeing.
key highlights
The team presented a poster at the NES (NHS Education for Scotland) Bereavement Conference. This was a great way for the team to share our learning and initial data from the service.
We held our first Christmas Gathering of bereavement group participants. The focus of this was to bring people together and discuss grief at Christmas, chat with friends and enjoy some lovely food.
case study
Patrick, 38, from Glasgow, turned to our Bereavement Service after losing his mother and sister within a year. Following their passing, he felt isolated but found comfort in group sessions, where he connected with others who had faced loss.
He encourages anyone experiencing grief to try the service, describing it as a welcoming space to share and feel supported.
“I just can't thank the staff from Beatson Cancer Charity enough. The course and the people that I have met have helped me more than I could have imagined.”
*Being psychologically flexible allows people to adapt to changes in the environment and react in new, creative and healthy ways that align with an individual’s goals and values. This ability also plays a vital role in health and well-being.
care services bereavement support service
Our Bereavement Support Service delivered its first full year of support to individuals who have been bereaved by cancer.
Our psychologists and facilitators have led acceptance and commitment therapy group programmes at various venues throughout Glasgow. This eight-week group programme allows people to come together, talk about their grief with others and learn techniques, to support with the ongoing self-management of grief. We have also provided 1:1 conversations with people who want a safe space to discuss their grief and how it impacts their daily life. These can be used as a supportive pathway onto a group when a person requires more preparation to engage with this format.
referrals in 2023/24
care services shaws
Our Specialist Health and Work Service (SHAWS) continue to offer valued support to those affected by cancer with all aspects of their work life. We are delighted that during this past year SHAWS has reached some very important milestones.
During this period, we were pleased to support over 200 clients with advice and guidance regarding their current employment, or when trying to get back into employment following treatment.
1000 People Supported to date
This has included supporting people to plan a return to work, to remain in their current job, assist in seeking new employment and support to withdraw from work.
The beginning of 2024 also provided a great opportunity to ask our clients what they thought about our psychology-led workshops and how we could improve them.
We adapted the timings and topics of these because of what they told us. Our team also provided information sessions to employers about how to best support a colleague with cancer in the workplace.
These are sessions for employers to reflect on current practice and discuss with our team how they can adapt to provide a supportive work environment.
10,000
Client Interactions to date
These client interactions include: calls, appointments, and supporting people to attend meetings with their employer. Our person centred approach means we can tailor our support to the needs and preferences of each individual.
A benefits advisor was added to the SHAWS team during this period to provide support and guidance to existing Beatson Cancer Charity clients which has proven an invaluable enhancement to the services we already provide particularly in the current financial climate.
specialist work service 2023/24
2,229 client interactions
201 total clients supported
126 new referrals
“As always your assistance is greatly appreciated. I don’t know what we would have done without you. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster and you have been so kind, patient and professional”
7 volunteering
growth and development
We are so proud of the support we receive from our amazing volunteers. Over the last year we have had 460 volunteers who have collectively gifted us 18,576 hours of their time to help patients and their families. We are extremely proud to have provided support to so many patients, families and loved ones, due to the kindness and commitment of our wonderful volunteers. Every year, our volunteers help us increase the impact of our work with patients in hospital, out in the community, providing extensive support for the charity and for our fundraising and trading activity.
this year;
increase in hours gifted, which is worth an astonishing increase in number of volunteers 34% 51%
£356,541
here’s a glimpse of our volunteers in action:
volunteer time allocation by activity
• Befriending 7%
• Hospital based 80%
• Events, fundraising and office 13%
We achieved Outstanding Status in It’s Your Neighbourhood, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Merit Award from Caledonian Horticulture Society
Tea Trolley Saltire Awards Beatson in Bloom
volunteering
calls for a celebration
Paul Sheerin, Beatson Cancer Charity’s volunteer coordinator, won the SCVO Employee of the Year award.
The award, from the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, recognises Paul’s dedication to the charity. Diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2013, Paul began volunteering after his recovery and joined the charity as an employee in 2017. Now 43 and living in Cumbernauld with his wife Louise and their three sons, Paul has raised £117,000 for families affected by cancer. His efforts include organising footgolf events, taking part in ten Kiltwalks, and hosting a charity ball to mark 10 years cancer-free.
befriending service
After listening, we're organising more in-person befriending events to strengthen ties between patients and loved ones in the community.
befriending service 2023-24 caseload cancer type distribution
“I’m so honoured to have won this award. Beatson Cancer Charity prides itself on supporting patients and families affected by cancer and I’m truly humbled to have been nominated in the first place. To be able to give back to the charity that saved my life gives me a great sense of satisfaction.”
1,292 Calls calls
98 Individuals supported (81 patients and 17 carers) people supported
1,293 Hours gifted by befriending volunteers volunteer hours
36,107 Call minutes Average Call Length of 28 Minutes call minutes feedback
“You have made a massive difference in my life and coping with this awful disease, you light up my day when we talk and I feel blessed to know you.”
Befriending service user
events
chefs’ table
Chefs' Table was created to kick-start fundraising for Scotland’s first Brain Tumour Research Centre, in partnership with Brain Tumour Research. Inspired by chef Andrew Hamer, who lost his sister to Glioblastoma in 2020 and his friend, Chef Andrew Fairlie, in 2019, the event aimed to make a lasting impact.
Hosted by Fred Macauley at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, the night featured a five-course meal by Michelin-starred chefs, including Stephen McLaughlin, Tom Kitchin, Adam Handling, Simon Attridge, and Andrew Hamer. The event raised £100,000, with total funds for this project now exceeding £350,000.
malcolm ball
We were absolutely delighted that The Donald Malcolm Memorial Ball, raised an incredible £287,000!
We extend our gratitude to The Malcolm Group, whose ongoing support has been invaluable. Their generous decision to donate 75% of the funds raised to Beatson Cancer Charity highlights their dedication to improving the lives of those affected by cancer.
The evening was a remarkable celebration, themed around ‘The Greatest Showman,’ which created an atmosphere of joy and connection.
Attendees were treated to spectacular performances and exquisite dining, making it an unforgettable experience. This event not only raised vital funds but also strengthened the bonds within our community and underscored our shared commitment for supporting cancer care.
Chefs' Table - Andrew Hamer & Tom Kitchin Chefs' Table
The Malcolm Ball
grants & funding
innovate and inspire
Our expanding grants programme enables us to fund a diverse range of exciting initiatives. We are proud to fund priorities with clinical and academic partners. This year, we funded 118 grants and 10 funded staff posts to a total of £3.4 million. Here are four projects that support novel and emerging treatment options and trials, and support development of early career researchers and future leaders.
3d augmented reality patient information leaflets – breast care app
Clear health information helps patients make informed decisions and improve their well-being, but many face barriers like low literacy, language issues, and dyslexia. To tackle this, Professor Steven Lo and the Glasgow School of Art received £111,662 to develop a 3D augmented reality app for breast cancer patients. This app will use interactive 3D models, similar to Harry Potter’s "moving pictures," to explain surgeries and medical terms visually. It will also represent diverse body types and ethnicities. The project aims to improve patient information across Scotland and the UK.
the gut microbiome and responses to radiotherapy for rectal cancer
Radiographer Lynsey Devlin received a £8,812 grant to study the link between gut bacteria and how rectal cancer patients respond to radiotherapy. Research suggests that changing gut bacteria through dietary fibre might reduce side effects and improve tumour control. While gut bacteria can predict responses to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, less is known about its role in radiotherapy. Lynsey and Professor Anne Kiltie at the University of Aberdeen will analyse stool samples and dietary data from patients receiving radiotherapy at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. The study hopes to identify which patients may respond better to radiotherapy and guide future fibre-based treatments for better outcomes.
posijet shielded radiopharmaceutical injection and preparation unit
Dr. Colin Brown received £168,368 to purchase a Posijet Radiopharmaceutical Auto-Injector for the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, the only site in Scotland offering a national molecular radiotherapy service.
Molecular radiotherapy delivers high-dose radioactive material into the bloodstream to target tumours while sparing healthy tissue. The Posijet safely administers these treatments, allowing for personalised dosing and reducing radiation exposure for patients and staff. This investment aims to enhance and expand the molecular radiotherapy service.
beatson west of scotland cancer centre ward grants – digital radios
Small donations from the charity play a big role in helping to enhance clinical environments.
During 2023 the charity awarded a £360 grant to levels 1 and 4 of The Beatson which enabled hard working nursing staff to purchase new digital radios for patient treatment areas.
beatson cancer charity strategic advisory council
Beatson Cancer Charity’s Strategic Advisory Council is made up of leaders from clinical, research and management roles across the NHS. The council is consulted frequently to design, implement and maximise the impact of our research and grants programmes. We ensure programmes are invested in wisely and that donors and supporters are informed of the development of our strategy; research and innovation, clinical excellence, and patient care and wellbeing.
fundraising trading
our highlights
Introducing the Care Love Hope range: a new lifestyle collection focused on well-being. Featuring notebooks, water bottles, candles, diffusers, and a sterling silver jewellery set.
We also expanded our tartan collection with a stylish keyring, hipflask, and this year’s tartan snowflake bauble. Perfect for gifting or keeping!
our top sellers
Christmas cards 1800 packets Beatson heart badge 1600 Beatson chocolate thistle and rose 900
beatson café
The Beatson Café continues to provide a much-needed space away from wards since opening in July 2016. Patients, families and staff can enjoy a hot drink, lunch and choose from a selection of delicious cakes – especially our famous empire biscuit! The cafe is continuing to grow, serving 93,121 customers last year!
Patients and visitors are paramount and their comfort is important to us. Having a space to enjoy a snack or refreshment is key. This allows us to offer some merchandise, ideal for a gift or some shopping. Outdoor benches were installed, to allow patients to sit outside and enjoy some fresh air and some sunshine.
These were kindly donated by Arnold Clark, Valentino Simeone, Charlie and Marie Limond.
Bite to eat vouchers were introduced to assist patients during cost of living strains and help towards purchasing of food and drinks from the café during treatment or frequently visiting a loved one. Kindly supplied by Autorek and Retronix.
fundraising corporate
together along the way
As part of our regional awareness campaign, we launched ‘Together Along the Way,’ aimed at sharing information about our services with local communities. Renfrewshire was the first stop, where our brightly branded Beatson Bus, generously gifted by First Bus, caught the attention of many.
The campaign successfully raised awareness among both new and existing supporters and will soon be rolled out to other areas.
london calling
This year, we were excited to expand our charity network further afield, thanks to Scotland House, who nominated us as their Charity of the Year. Scotland House provides a fantastic platform in central London for Scottish companies and the public sector to collaborate, explore new trade opportunities, and develop partnerships.
They organised a range of high-profile corporate events that gave us the chance to showcase our work and connect with new and influential audiences. Highlights included a St Andrews Day Ball, an International Burns Supper, and, of course, the flagship London Marathon, where they opened their doors to families of participants running in support of us. The dedicated team at Scotland House also took on their own challenge by participating in a 5k Supernova run through London. We’re incredibly grateful for their support!
Scotland House, London
fundraising corporate
Golf is not only a great way to enjoy social interactions and reap health benefits, but it’s also an excellent way to raise money for us!
Beatson Bunker Initiative
More than 15 clubs joined in to support this initiative, including Mearns Castle, Glenbervie, Pollock, Milngavie, East Renfrewshire, Cambuslang, and many others. Together, they raised nearly £7,000 and helped spread awareness about the services we provide to club members.
Persimmon Homes
West of Scotland Golf Day
As their charity partner, Persimmon Homes organised a golf day at East Renfrewshire Golf Club in September 2023, raising over £11,000 for us.
Kirkhill Golf Club
In May 2023, Kirkhill Golf Club held a Charity Day that raised an impressive £15,150 for us.
John Falconer Golf Day
This annual golf day has been raising funds for Beatson Cancer Charity, specifically for prostate cancer, for several years. Hosted by John Falconer and his committee at the beautiful Buchanan Castle Golf Club, the event included a raffle, a “Beat the Pro” challenge, and competitions for the longest drive and nearest the pin. Everyone had a fantastic day, raising £7,500, which adds to the total raised over the years.
Persimmon Golf Day
gordon cowan memorial golf day
The Gordon Cowan Memorial Golf Day has been a cherished tradition for 22 years, bringing together a group of Gordon’s friends each year to celebrate his memory.
Throughout 2023, several events were held, including a festive Christmas Ball that raised an impressive £11,000, a 100 Miles in March challenge that brought in £9,700, and, of course, the highlight of the year–the Gordon Cowan Memorial Golf Day, which raised £28,000. In total, a remarkable £444,000 has been raised for the charity over the years. We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support and commitment to keeping Gordon's legacy alive!
“Everyone at the Gordon Cowan Memorial Golf Day thoroughly delighted to support Beatson Cancer Charity in Gordon’s memory, much to the wishes of the Cowan family.”
Robert Douglas
meet our ambassadog
In October 2023 we welcomed our fourth Ambassadog Simba! The two-year old rescue Border Collie was entered into our competition to find the charity’s next Ambassadog by his owner Chris Maitland, after Chris’ mum Helen was treated at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
Simba took over duties from Teddi the black German Shepherd, from Grangemouth, who served as our Ambassadog from 2022.
“It has been a real pleasure and an honour and one we will treasure for a long time. I am just so proud to be involved in a small way with Beatson Cancer Charity.”
Chris Maitland
fundraising community
the stuart mccaffer haematology fund
off the beatson track – our best year yet!
The Stuart McCaffer Haematology Ambulatory Care Service is the first of its kind in the west of Scotland, opening at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in memory of former patient Stuart McCaffer. an incredible £200,000 was raised there were over 2,700 walkers
Stuart was diagnosed with stage four large B-cell lymphoma in September 2020 and passed away on 6th August 2021 at the age of 57 after enduring long hospital stays and multiple treatments. In Stuart's memory, his wife Janice and their sons, Greg, Jamie, and Ross, began fundraising through Ladies Lunches and Golf Days to support the new unit. They were joined by Ian Curle, former CEO of Edrington, who had a close connection with Stuart through
their work in the whisky industry. Ian, also a cancer patient, helped raise funds supported by The Scotch Whisky Industry. Together, the McCaffer family and friends raised £255,529 allowing Beatson Cancer Charity to grant this amount towards the development of this service.
Dr Pam McKay, Consultant Haematologist at The Beatson, said,
“This should make a massive difference to the quality of life of these patients who currently spend a large amountof time as an in-patient for treatment and associated complications."
This year marked our tenth Off The Beatson Track event, and it was our best one yet! We organised fantastic entertainment for every kilometre of the 10k route, featuring a DJ, food trucks, a Bubbleologist, and plenty of sporting activities for walkers to enjoy after completing their sponsored walk.
The McCaffer Family
philanthropy
stronger together thanks to you... looking forward
By working together with our donors, clinicians and academics we can harness the power of philanthropic gifts to drive forward enhancements and advancements in the treatment, care and support of people affected by cancer in the west of Scotland.
Their generosity has funded thirteen projects within the charity, hospital and research institutes, including:
Grants for wellbeing services supported complementary therapies, podiatry, hairdressing and wig-fitting for patients at The Beatson and across the west of Scotland.
Thirty young people had the chance to enjoy a variety of exciting experiences, including football stadium tours, theatre trips, concerts, family holidays, and driving lessons. These activities provided them with some much-needed respite and joy during their treatment.
Exciting research projects into both brain and ovarian cancers were delivered, helping to move forward advancements in new treatments.
Our group programmes, “Living with Uncertainty” and “Fear of Recurrence,” have been thriving with the help of ongoing grant funding. This support has allowed our dedicated project team to effectively share their knowledge and skills, helping 160 participants reduce their anxiety while boosting their mood, resilience, and overall quality of life.
The new Bereavement Service has successfully completed its first full year of support. By focusing on group work programmes and offering one-to-one sessions, the service has helped 152 individuals develop techniques to manage their grief and reconnect with what truly matters to them after the loss of a loved one.
We continue collaborating with patients and staff to explore how philanthropy can shape the future of cancer care in the west of Scotland. This includes advanced technology, safer treatments, and ground breaking research, like new brain tumour therapies, offering hope for the future.
Whether current or upcoming, none of this work would be possible without the generosity of our loyal donors.
individual giving
For this appeal, we asked you to share what research means to you, and your responses were truly inspiring! We've gathered your messages into a graphic to showcase them all.
radiotherapy research infrastructure
Thanks to your unwavering support, we have been able to continue to help fund life-changing radiotherapy research at The Beatson. Your support has enabled the research team to carry out clinical research that would not have been possible without you. By supporting this work, you are offering thousands of people with cancer hope for the future.
"If I hadn’t had Beatson Cancer Charity to kickstart our radiotherapy research programme and then support it, we wouldn’t have achieved anything near what we have." Professor Anthony Chalmers
regional wellbeing appeal
Seeing the difference that our services make to people means the world to us, and it’s thanks to your generous donations that we can continue to help ease some of their worries and discomfort.
All our services exist to help people cope with their cancer diagnosis and treatment. We could simply not provide any of our services without you.
"When I was in getting my nails done, we didn’t really speak about the treatment or cancer, so it was nice to have a chat with someone that wasn’t all centred around cancer."
Kerryn
Steel, former Lanarkshire Beatson patient.
£27,133 This appeal raised for our wellbeing services
bauble appeal
Our much-loved Christmas appeal saw hundreds of bauble messages arrive in memory of loved ones, or to simply thank The Beatson for their care.
Paolo Lizzeri showed his support by hanging a bauble to give hope to other cancer patients after being diagnosed with cancer three times in the last six years.
£52,465 RAISED
Highest amount of individual donors across charity
legacy
the story of denis and wilma flynn
A remarkable story from this year’s legacy programme comes from Mr Denis Flynn, who left one of the most generous donations in Beatson Cancer Charity history in memory of his wife, Wilma. The couple shared a lifetime of love and devotion, and after Wilma’s cancer diagnosis, Denis tenderly cared for her through every step of her journey.
Wilma received care at the Beatson Wellbeing Centre, and this had a profound impact on both. In gratitude for the exceptional care she received, Denis left a generous bequest that has been allocated to the Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), supporting ground breaking cancer research. Earlier this year, Denis’s sisters visited the CTU, expressing their deep appreciation for the compassionate care Wilma had experienced. The Flynns’ legacy lives on in their memory, directly contributing to a brighter future for those who follow in their footsteps.
finance 2023-24
Financial Data 2023-24
our charitable spend
£2.1m was spent on Patient and Family Support Service including our Wellbeing Centre, Specialist Health at Work and Outreach Services.
Almost £3.4m of grants were awarded to external projects and clinical initiatives, including research grants, medical equipment, clinical staff education, specialist posts and innovative services.
communications
Patients’ and supporters’ needs are at the forefront of our communications.
Explore and improve communication platforms
Improve digital services based on need our communications and engagement strategy
Communication and marketing campaigns
Develop feedback network
We are bold and creative, creating new opportunities and approaches to better reach audiences and reinforce our findings and messages.
We have done much work recently in developing our design, animation and video approaches; as technology develops and audience behaviours change. Our voice needs to be authentic. This includes our language and using more of our colleagues as faces of the organisation. Building engagement and trust and help showcase our colleagues' skills, knowledge and commitment. This will help our impact and our positioning.
Engagement Make more use of existing networks and widen our engagement to capture more organisations’ and audiences that are either affected by our work or working with those who are.
Evaluation Measuring the impact of our communications and engagement activity is crucial to ensure we achieve our objectives and actions. Evaluation is in place for all campaigns and will be used for insight for future activity, to support our objectives and further connect with our supporters.
Insight - A focused approach to capture data, monitor engagement and cross-promote activity between existing audiences:
• developing the range of guidance and information for people who need to use our services, helping them to access the information in a way that meets their needs
• establishing stakeholder groups that help us to deliver change and improve our services in a way that meets people’s needs;
Social - We will continue to build our social media presence and platforms based on stakeholder feedback and analytics, to support our objectives and further connect with our supporters. Our focus will be to promote initiatives and opportunities, drive traffic to our educational products and signpost to services.
Performance
Media - We will respond to incoming media enquiries and be proactive with collaborations to increase the visibility of the charity.
Website - Our focus will be to promote initiatives and opportunities, drive traffic to our educational products and signpost to guidance and services.
Brand - We will continue to embed our brand as one that is recognised and trusted by our patients and people and reflects the type of organisation we are. Our brand will continue to be used on our marketing for all internal and external communications, which reflects our strategy and plan, Influencing the Future 2023-26.
Graham Dickie, bus campaign STV's John Mackay has hundreds of ties – but his Beatson tartan tie is the true standout in his collection!
Martin Cawley was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2019, and during his time with the charity, he has achieved a great deal. Under his leadership, the charity has grown its income, developed a range of high-quality, person-centred services to support people affected by cancer, touching thousands of lives each year, and established a strong reputation in cancer care across Scotland.
The charity is now delighted to announce Gillian Hailstones as his successor. Martin said, “I am incredibly proud to have worked for such a wonderful organisation. While I have mixed feelings about leaving, it feels like the right time in my career to make this decision.“Beatson Cancer Charity holds a special place in the hearts of so many people who have been touched by cancer.
change of leadership partnerships
Thank you to our Trustees and Ambassadors who are an exemplary group of custodians. The enduring interest, care, engagement, guidance, help and fundraising efforts are simply incredible.
“The charity plays an essential role in supporting people and their families through their experience with cancer. It has been a privilege to have played even a small part in what’s been achieved. I have truly enjoyed my time here.
“I won’t be a stranger to the organisation and will continue to support in any way that I can.
“As one of the charity’s founders recently told me, ‘You never really leave Beatson Cancer Charity.’ I now know exactly what he means.
“With the charity in a great position to enter its next stage of development, I am confident that in Gillian, they have a strong and respected leader to fulfil its ambitions and aspirations for the future.”
Our Strategic Plan, Influencing the Future (2023-2026), focuses on expanding and growing services in regions which we serve. We are going to increase engagement, increase service levels and increase fundraising to underpin this. We will continue to build our data and digital capabilities to report against and learn from our work. we want to say a massive thank you to our funders, volunteers, corporate supporters, donors and users.
