Beatson Cancer Charity Volunteer wins a Hidden Hero Award

Martin Inch, a former DWP worker from Glasgow, has accumulated a whopping 527 and a half hours helping us make a real difference in the lives of patients. This translates to almost a full month of unpaid action with the sole aim of helping others.

For these efforts, we nominated Martin for the Room to Reward scheme, a programme which seeks to recognise hidden heroes in the UK and Europe. Room to Reward allows nominees to get a well-earned break in a luxury hotel, free of charge. It is hoped that Martin will be able to take some time for himself after spending so much helping others.

He has specifically been recognised due to the massive uptick in his voluntary efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the health service stretched thin, Martin selflessly offered himself to bolster the ranks of professionals, volunteers and clinicians who kept the wheels of cancer care turning during a once in a generation catastrophe.

In the very early days of the lockdown, Martin was the first of only three volunteers onsite at the Beatson hospital, giving of his time to help implement and manage the charity’s Hand Hygiene Stations at the entrances to the Beatson which became part of the Beatson’s first line of defence in keeping patients safe.

Marlyn Hosie our Volunteer Manager said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Room to Reward to recognise the contribution to Beatson Cancer Charity through the pandemic. Martin’s commitment and support have been outstanding, and he thoroughly deserves to be honoured as a Hidden Hero!”.

Martin was also at the forefront of the Give and Go service which was a lifeline for families to drop off personal belongings and collect laundry for patients. Having a few personal items and clean clothes can make a stay in hospital that little bit more comfortable.

Martin Cawley, our CEO said: “The challenge we work towards every day, making a difference in the lives of people going through cancer treatment, would be impossible without volunteers like Martin.

“We are delighted that he continues to be a phenomenally impactful and dedicated asset to the Beatson Cancer Charity.”

Martin Inch said: “I feel that I get out more than I put in with my volunteering. I really enjoy it. I felt that I had done all I could do with DWP and wanted to give back to my community.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to bits and that was so kind of my fellow volunteers to nominate me. I always prefer to be in the background so a bit overwhelmed to be honest!”

Well done to Martin for his contribution to helping others and being with us.