Time to go off the Beatson track!

9th July 2014 12:00

"Participants are encouraged to aim to raise as much as they can in support of current and former cancer patients at the Beatson."

9th July 2014


"Participants are encouraged to aim to raise as much as they can in support of current and former cancer patients at the Beatson."

With the help of some of our wonderful ambassadors, supporters and four-legged friends we launched our first ever mass participation event - Off the Beatson Track – an exclusive sponsored walk with a bright yellow twist!

We are appealing to everyone who has been touched by the incredible care and support provided by the Beatson to get involved and to encourage their family and friends to don their walking shoes and bright yellow fancy dress attire and take part in this fun-filled event on Saturday 30 August.

Participants are encouraged to aim to raise as much as they can in support of current and former cancer patients at the Beatson. Funds raised will help the charity provide specialist nursing and radiography posts, a specialist relaxation chair for day patients receiving chemotherapy, the start-up costs of a research project to help beat cancer and it can contribute towards providing a range of complementary therapies to help patients manage the side effects of their treatments.

The six and a half mile walk on fully accessible paths will take in some of the iconic sights of Glasgow’s West End including the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre that the charity works so hard to support. This is your chance to show your support for the Beatson.

Staring and finishing at the Riverside Museum on the banks of the Clyde, the event will culminate in style with a unique and exclusive street party within the museum’s 1900s reconstructed Glasgow street. With plenty of exciting activities, live music and street performers along the route, the event has something for everyone and the charity is encouraging people of all ages to dress up in their brightest yellow fancy dress or clothing and participate; even the family dog is welcome.

One of the ambassadors involved is former Beatson patient Gordon Gallagher and his dog Molly who he credits in helping him in his battle with leukaemia. As part of Gordon’s recovery he would go walking every day to build up his fitness and make him strong enough to beat the disease. Molly kept him company on these walks and kept his spirits high during such a difficult time.

Gordon said: “Molly played such an important role not only in helping me get my fitness back as I recovered from leukaemia but also putting a smile on my face when times were tough so it is fitting that she will be able to join me in this sponsored walking event to raise much needed funds for the Beatson Cancer Charity.

David Welch, chief executive of the Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “This is a very special day out in Glasgow that the whole family can enjoy, no matter their age or fitness levels, and we hope that people across Scotland will get involved to support the charity.

"There will be a real party atmosphere on the day and we want to see a sea of yellow making its way through Glasgow’s West End. We encourage everyone to try and raise as much as possible through sponsorship to support and all the patients and families we help at the Beatson.”