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The family of Airdrie teenager Isla Sneddon brought the community together this summer for a special fundraising event held in her memory.
Isla’s Beatson Bash took place at Nostrana in Hyndland, Glasgow, on Sunday 28 June, bringing people together for an afternoon of live entertainment and community fundraising in support the Teenage and Young Adult unit at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
PICTURED: Isla Sneddon
The free-to-attend event was organised alongside WestFest, with the support of local businesses, performers, friends and members of the community who came together to celebrate Isla’s life and continue her legacy.
Isla was just 15 when she first discovered a lump in her breast in July 2022. Her parents, Mark and Michelle Sneddon, say her concerns were initially dismissed as hormonal and that subsequent investigations were downgraded because of her age.
Almost two years later, Isla became seriously unwell and was admitted to hospital, where doctors discovered fluid around her heart. Following an extended period of investigations and hospital stays, she was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.
Isla underwent chemotherapy but tragically died in March 2025, aged 17.
Throughout her illness, Isla remained focused on living her life and spending time with the people she loved. She particularly enjoyed going out for food with her family and friends, and her parents have continued to honour that spirit through their fundraising.
Following Isla’s death, Mark and Michelle began raising money for young people receiving treatment at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. Their fundraising has now raised £20,722, with money used to provide practical support and treats for teenagers and young adults, including food vouchers, sweet treats, Nintendo Switches and food for patients and families.
The fundraising was inspired in part by Isla’s love of what she called ‘Fun Friday’ – time spent with her friends enjoying food, music and each other’s company.
Isla’s Beatson Bash was organised with Nostrana and WestFest, creating an opportunity for Isla’s family, friends and the wider community to come together while raising funds in her memory.
PICTURED: Islas Beatson Bash at Nostrana
Mark Sneddon said: “Isla loved going to Nostrana. When she had chemotherapy, she would come out and ask where we were going afterwards. She loved going somewhere nice, having good food and just enjoying herself.
“When we spoke to Marco about Isla and what we were trying to do, he wanted to help, and that’s how the Beatson Bash came about.
“It was a fantastic day. The turnout was brilliant, the entertainment was great and it was just lovely to see everyone coming together for Isla and for the young people at The Beatson.”
Michelle Sneddon added: “Isla had such a soft heart, and she would have loved seeing other young people benefit from what we are doing.
“We just want to keep her memory alive and do something positive in her name. It means so much to us to be able to see where the money raised goes and know that it is helping young people who are going through something similar.”
Marco Stevenson, owner of Nostrana, said: “It was an absolute privilege to host a fundraiser for Isla’s Army, a charity started by Mark and Michelle in honour of their daughter Isla.
“I personally remember a time when Mark and Michelle came into Nostrana after Isla had received treatment because she wanted pancakes. During our conversation, we realised that we all came from Airdrie. As they say, Glasgow is a village.
“I have never met a family who have experienced such devastating bereavement and responded to it in such a positive way. They are a constant inspiration to myself and everyone around them, and they inspire me to continue supporting events around teenage cancer and health awareness.
“I’ll always be there for Mark and Michelle and the rest of Isla’s family, and I’ll continue to support them in any way I can.”
Alongside their fundraising, Mark and Michelle are campaigning for Isla’s Principles, calling for changes to how potential cancer symptoms in children and young people are assessed and investigated.
They hope Isla’s story will help improve awareness of cancer in young people and ensure children and teenagers feel listened to when they raise concerns about changes to their health.
Maisie McCormick, Community Fundraising Manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “Isla’s Beatson Bash was a wonderful way to celebrate Isla’s life and bring her family, friends and wider community together in her memory.
“We are incredibly grateful to Mark and Michelle, Nostrana, WestFest and everyone who supported the event and helped raise funds for young people receiving care at The Beatson.
“The continued support of Isla’s family is helping provide practical, meaningful support to teenagers and young adults at a time when having moments of normality can mean so much.”
