Actor John Bell takes a hike to Arrochar for Beatson Cancer Charity

4th May 2016 12:00

"I hope more people sign up for the event this year to celebrate the amazing work Beatson Cancer Charity does."

4th May 2016


"I hope more people sign up for the event this year to celebrate the amazing work Beatson Cancer Charity does."

Scottish actor John Bell is encouraging people in the west of Scotland to don their hiking boots for Beatson Cancer Charity by taking part in Challenge Arrochar to raise vital funds for thousands of cancer patients and their families across Scotland and beyond. 

 John Bell, who played Bain in two instalments of the Hobbit film series, has already donned his boots for the challenge. He said: “After participating in Challenge Arrochar last year, I can’t wait to get back up on the hills. It’s great fun and totally worth the hike when you see the amazing views from the top.” John made his TV debut in BBC’s Doctor Who and featured in action and fantasy films Battleship and Wrath of the Titans. 

The 18 year old Paisley born actor will be taking part in remembrance of his beloved ‘Granny I’ who was treated at The Beatson. John continued: “To many she was Irene Bell, but to me she was ‘Granny I’, and that 'I' stood for more than just her name, to me it also stands for incredible. She was a woman with a warm heart and no matter what life threw at her she never lost her determination, always cracking a joke and a smile right up until her last days. 

“The care she received at The Beatson was second to none. From the little details to the big decisions the staff offered tremendous support throughout all the stages of her treatment and for that I am eternally grateful knowing she was in the best care. I hope more people sign up for the event this year to celebrate the amazing work Beatson Cancer Charity does to help people like you and me at the times we need it the most.” 

John Bell is appealing everyone out there to ‘Challenge Arrochar’ with family, friends and colleagues on Saturday 18 June to celebrate the remarkable care and support The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (The Beatson) provides. 

Whether the participants are fitness fanatics or steady strollers, there is the choice of three different challenges to suit all fitness levels. Ranging from the one peak challenge of The Cobbler to the three peaks challenge which also includes Ben Ime and Ben Narnain, there is a challenge for everyone.  

If you would like to lace up your hiking boots and get involved with this exciting event, click here,   call 0141 212 0505 or e-mail  events@beatsoncancercharity.org to register. 

More about John Bell's  Arrochar Challenge at the Paisley Express today. 

Every donation big or small ensures The Beatson is able to offer much needed support for patients and their loved ones. Funding helps to provide a comprehensive range of patient and family support services, including patient wellbeing and complementary therapy services delivered at the charity’s unique and award-winning Wellbeing Centre and throughout the cancer centre and related facilities.