Donate
Joe McBrearty, Assistant Director of Golf at Mearns Castle Golf Academy, is back doing what he loves after a life-changing brain tumour diagnosis last year – and he’s more determined than ever to support others facing cancer.
The 38-year-old PGA Professional was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January 2024 after experiencing a seizure at work. He was told the tumour was terminal and given a prognosis of 12 to 16 months. Despite the devastating news, Joe has chosen to focus on staying positive and making the most of life with his wife and two young children.
“After being told I had a brain tumour, everything changed overnight,” Joe says. “But I’ve got two kids, and I need to be here for them. That gives me purpose every day. Getting back to work a couple of days a week has been brilliant – it gives me that sense of normality again.”
Joe has been a long-standing supporter of Beatson Cancer Charity through his role at Mearns Castle Golf Academy. The Academy was the first to introduce The Beatson Bunker. It's a simple but brilliant idea – a designated bunker on the course where players who land in it are encouraged to pop a donation in a nearby charity collection box. It’s become a fun and easy way for members and visitors to show their support and has helped raised vital funds for patients and families across the west of Scotland affected by cancer.
Russell Gray, Managing Director, and Joe McBrearty are proud to have supported the charity for so long, and Joe says continuing that support now means more than ever.
The Beatson Bunker has helped raise thousands of pounds for the charity.
“When we started The Beatson Bunker, we didn’t know how people would respond – but every year it’s grown,” Joe shares. “Even just having a spare pound in your pocket and putting it in the bunker makes a difference. And when people see the yellow branding, they know it’s for Beatson Cancer Charity. It keeps the awareness going.”
Russell Gray, Managing Director of Mearns Castle Golf Academy and Joe have worked together to support Beatson Cancer Charity through initiatives like The Beatson Bunker.
The Academy's ongoing commitment to the charity reflects their shared dedication to raising awareness and funds to support cancer patients and families in need.
Joe has also welcomed the news of Beatson Cancer Charity’s new partnership with Brain Tumour Research, which has now opened Scotland’s first Centre of Excellence focused on brain tumour research.
“Hearing that more money and research is going into brain tumours is unbelievable,” Joe says. “What happened to me happened fast. To know that there's a dedicated research centre opening means a lot – not just for me, but for everyone affected.”
Having supported Beatson Cancer Charity for over a decade, Joe says his own diagnosis has only deepened his appreciation for the care and dedication of the charity’s team.
“I’ve seen it first-hand now. Beatson have been incredible. Knowing that support is there for other people as well – it means everything.”
As golf season kicks off once again, Joe and the team at Mearns Castle are proud to continue their support for Beatson Cancer Charity, helping ensure more families across Scotland receive the care they need, when they need it most.
Charlene Low, Regional Fundraising Manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said "“Joe has been such an amazing supporter and friend over the years, and it’s brilliant to see him back doing what he loves. The Beatson Bunker is a really fun and easy way for people to give back, and we’re so thankful to Joe, Russell and the whole team at Mearns Castle for keeping it going year after year. It means a lot to have their support – especially now.”
Find out more about Beatson Bunker here: Beatson Bunker | Beatson Cancer Charity
