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Beatson Cancer Charity’s much-loved Ambassadog, Baxter, will join his family at this year’s Off the Beatson Track on Sunday 30 August, marking the end of a special year spent helping to raise awareness of the charity and the support it provides to people and families affected by cancer.
Baxter from Paisley was chosen as Beatson Cancer Charity’s 2025/26 Ambassadog following a public vote which saw more than 70,000 votes cast. Baxter secured more than 43,000 votes, making him the clear winner.
Baxter’s family have a deep personal connection with The Beatson. Both Natalie’s dad and Ross’s mum received treatment at The Beatson, while Ross himself underwent treatment for testicular cancer. During this difficult time, Baxter became a source of comfort and companionship for the family, helping Ross through his treatment and recovery.
PICTURED: Ambassadog 25/26 Baxter
His owner, Natalie Bytheway, said: “It has been such a privilege for Baxter to spend the past year as a Beatson Ambassadog. His journey began after Ross was diagnosed with cancer twice in 2024. During what was an incredibly difficult period for our family, Baxter was a constant source of comfort and happiness. He had a special way of making the hardships that come with cancer just that little bit easier.
“We decided to enter Baxter into the Ambassadog competition as a way of giving something back to the charity that had supported us so much. We never imagined just how special the year ahead would be.”
Since being crowned Ambassadog, Baxter has embraced his role, helping to promote Beatson Cancer Charity at events including the Santa Dash, Beatson Days at bookstores and golf clubs, as well as many other charity events.
Natalie added: “Baxter has loved every minute of his time as Ambassadog and has enjoyed helping to promote the incredible work of Beatson Cancer Charity at events including the Santa Dash, Beatson Days at bookstores and golf clubs, and so many more.
“Most importantly, he has loved meeting people, spreading a little joy and helping raise awareness of the amazing support Beatson provides to patients and families.”
It feels fitting that Baxter will round off his year as Ambassadog at Off the Beatson Track, Beatson Cancer Charity’s annual 10k walk which takes place at the Riverside Museum on Sunday 30 August.
The family-friendly event welcomes people of all ages and abilities, with four-legged friends also encouraged to join their owners for the day.
PICTURED: Maisie McCormick, Ross Bytheway, Baxter, Natalie Bytheway and Bella Beatson
Natalie said: “It feels very fitting that Baxter will sign off his year as Ambassadog at Off the Beatson Track on 30th August. He is incredibly excited to be there and would love to see as many people and their four-legged friends as possible joining him for this fantastic event.
“Off the Beatson Track is such an important part of helping Beatson Cancer Charity raise vital funds to continue supporting patients and families affected by cancer, and Baxter is very proud to be able to play his part. It will be the perfect way to round off a year that has meant so much to our family.
“He wishes the next Ambassadog the very best and hopes they enjoy their year as much as he has. Although his official year is coming to an end, Baxter will always be part of the Beatson family, and we know he will continue to support the charity that means so much to us.”
Maisie McCormick, Community Fundraising Manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “Off the Beatson Track is such a special event in the Beatson calendar, and it’s incredible to think that more than 25,000 people have come together over the last twelve years to show their support. Every single person who takes part has their own reason for walking, whether they’re remembering someone they love, supporting a family member or celebrating a milestone. Seeing the West End transformed into a sea of yellow is always incredibly moving, and we can’t wait to welcome even more superstars this year and make it another unforgettable day for our Beatson community.”
Baxter will be there to welcome fellow walkers, spread some joy and celebrate a year that has seen him become a much-loved member of the Beatson family.
Allied Vehicles are proud sponsors of Off the Beatson Track.
As we look ahead to finding our next four-legged ambassador, dog owners can nominate their pooch to become the next Ambassadog and play a special role in supporting Beatson Cancer Charity.
Off the Beatson Track takes place on Sunday 30 August 2026 at the Riverside Museum. To find out more and register, visit www.beatsoncancercharity.org
