Kiltwalkers to raise money for Beatson Cancer Charity this weekend

18th April 2022 12:00

"I’m doing the Kiltwalk this year for the Beatson after the amazing treatment they gave my dad. There’s no amount of money I can give them to repay for what they gave us, a healthy and happy dad back."

Bobbi-Jo McLeary from Alexandria is doing the Kiltwalk with her sister and dad

The Glasgow Kiltwalk will take place on Sunday 24th April and will be the first live Kiltwalk event in Glasgow since 2019.

The Glasgow Kiltwalk will take place on Sunday 24th April and will be the first live Kiltwalk event in Glasgow since 2019.

18th April 2022


"I’m doing the Kiltwalk this year for the Beatson after the amazing treatment they gave my dad. There’s no amount of money I can give them to repay for what they gave us, a healthy and happy dad back."

Bobbi-Jo McLeary from Alexandria is doing the Kiltwalk with her sister and dad

Thousands of people are set to take part in the Kiltwalk this weekend to raise money for charity. 

It will be the first live Kiltwalk event in Glasgow since 2019. 

Over 300 Kilties are expected to fundraise for Beatson Cancer Charity on Sunday 24th April.  

It gives walkers a choice of the Mighty Stride (22.7 miles), the Big Stroll (14.37 miles) or the Wee Wander (3 miles). 

Find out more or sign up to take part in the Kiltwalk for Beatson Cancer Charity here. 

Every single penny raised will be topped up by 50% thanks to the generosity of Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation. This has enabled our supporters to raise a fantastic £762,578.90 for our charity through the years of Kiltwalk activity. 

26-year old Alan Grenfell from Glasgow is taking part in the Kiltwalk for Beatson Cancer Charity after being diagnosed with testicular cancer two years ago. 

Pictured: Alan Grenfell, who is taking part in the Kiltwalk this year.

 

Alan said: “In December 2020 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Luckily it was caught really early and I’m fine now but I went through the Beatson Centre at Gartnavel Hospital and it let me see first hand all the amazing work they do. 

“Facing something that's pretty heavy duty at this age is daunting but it gave me a lot of perspective, and many people need to face a lot more. 

“That's why I'm doing whatever little I can to raise money for Beatson Cancer Charity.” 

Over 2660 walkers have supported us through the Kiltwalk over the years.  

50-year old Laura Mair from Glasgow is set to be one of them, as she has signed up after her dad passed away earlier this year. 

Pictured: Laura Mair, who is taking part in the Kiltwalk this year in memory of her dad

Laura said: “I’m doing the walk in memory of my dad who passed away in January and to thank all the staff by giving something back in return for caring for my amazing dad for over four weeks he was there. 

“The Beatson is a remarkable institution and we are very lucky to have this in Scotland.   

“My dad was diagnosed with Leukemia seven years ago and lived a normal life up until a few weeks before he was admitted in December 2021 to Beatson Hospital Ward B7.   

“He always praised the consultants and staff, and his eyes would light up when you mentioned one of his favourite consultants. 

“He sadly passed away mid-January. All the staff from all levels treated him with dignity and kindness up until the very end and as a family we couldn’t have asked for much more – they are such special types of people.” 

“The Beatson was where my Grandpa was treated when diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to their first-class treatment, he is still with us, in his 80s, living life to the fullest.”

Sarah Loggie from Aberdeenshire who now lives in South Lanarkshire is doing the Kiltwalk

We have seen over 100 corporate partners take part in the walk for us over the years – as well as 320 repeat walkers who have continued to support us. 

27-year old Bobbi-Jo McLeary from Alexandria is doing the Kiltwalk with her sister and dad this year after her dad was treated in the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. 

Pictured: Bobbi-Jo McLeary's family last year on the last day of her Dad's treatment.

She said: “I’m doing the Kiltwalk this year for the Beatson after the amazing treatment they gave my dad. There’s no amount of money I can give them to repay for what they gave us, a healthy and happy dad back. 

“My dad went through five weeks of intense chemotherapy and radiotherapy last year, and at first we were told best chase scenario was the tumour would shrink enough to operate on and hopefully they would be able to remove it.  

“Fast forward to the end of his treatment and the tumour hadn’t just shrunk but completely disappeared, meaning no surgery was needed either. 

“To find out he had been given this amazing news while I was 4-5 months pregnant and my little sister was just about to get married, was the best news ever.” 

The eldest person to support us through the Kiltwalk was an 84-year old during the 2021 virtual event – our youngest strollers were just 5-years old. 

28-year old Sarah Loggie from Aberdeenshire who now lives in South Lanarkshire is doing the Kiltwalk after her Grandpa was successfully treated for cancer at the Beatson. 

Pictured: Sarah Loggie from Aberdeenshire who now lives in South Lanarkshire is doing the Kiltwalk this year.

Sarah said: “Cancer affects so many people now, directly and indirectly. Having a local charity that is doing so much to increase chances of survival, improve quality of life for patients and provide much needed support is a blessing.  

“The Beatson was where my Grandpa was treated when diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to their first-class treatment, he is still with us, in his 80s, living life to the fullest.” 

Calum McNair, Challenges and Community Engagement Fundraiser at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are so excited to be back at the first live Kiltwalk in Glasgow since 2019. 

“We are grateful to everyone who participated in the virtual Kiltwalks during the pandemic, but we can’t wait to see everyone walking together again on Sunday. 

“Thank you to everyone who is taking part in the event for our charity – it helps us to support patients and their families during their cancer journey. 

“We will be at Pit Stop 1 at the Riverside Museum for Kilties to take a break and grab a snack – remember to come and say hi to us!” 

Find out more or sign up to take part in the Kiltwalk for Beatson Cancer Charity here.