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Beatson Cancer Charity has received an extraordinary £100,000 donation from the Emmie Smillie Charity Foundation, helping us continue providing vital support to people and families affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.
The donation marks another milestone in the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to supporting cancer services and those affected by cancer. Founded in memory of Emmie Smillie, daughter of Andy Smillie and twin sister of Andrew Smillie, the charity has spent the past decade raising funds to improve lives and support families facing cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.
For the Smillie family, their connection to Beatson Cancer Charity is a deeply personal one.
In recent years, Andrew’s mum received treatment and care at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre before sadly passing away earlier this year. Experiencing The Beatson as a family reinforced the importance of the support available to patients and their loved ones throughout treatment.
Andrew stated: “We started the charity around ten years ago after my sister passed away. Since then, we've tried to raise as much money as possible to support cancer charities.
“Beatson Cancer Charity became especially important to us this year as my mum was receiving treatment here. We witnessed the work that the charity does, and we just thought it was amazing.”
To mark the donation, Andrew and his children, Andrew Jr and Emmie, recently visited the Beatson Cancer Charity Wellbeing Centre, where they learned more about the services and support available to patients and families.
For Emmie, seeing the Centre and the services available brought back memories of her gran’s experience.
“It’s so great to see all the resources available to make people feel comfortable. It’s especially nice to see the support that helped my gran feel normal whilst she was treated here.”
Since being established in 2017, the Emmie Smillie Charity Foundation has raised and donated more than £5 million, supporting cancer charities, hospices and families across Scotland and the UK.
The family were particularly keen to support the wellbeing services provided by Beatson Cancer Charity, having seen first-hand the difference they can make.
Andrew added: “The treatment and care that patients get here in general is fantastic, but I think the wellbeing support that people receive is unbelievable. From their hair to their nails and everything else, it helps people feel more comfortable and feel better about themselves.”
Gillian Hailstones, Chief Executive Officer at Beatson Cancer Charity, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to the Smillie family and everyone involved with the Emmie Smillie Charity Foundation for this remarkable donation.
“The Emmie Smillie Charity Foundation has been a longstanding supporter of Beatson Cancer Charity, and we are proud of the relationship we have built over the years. Their continued commitment to supporting people affected by cancer has made a meaningful difference to our work and to the many individuals and families we support.
“This latest donation of £100,000 is an outstanding achievement and reflects years of dedication, generosity and hard work. Their support will help us continue being there for people and families across the west of Scotland when they need us most.”
Everyone here at Beatson Cancer Charity would like to thank the Smillie family and all those who have supported the Emmie Smillie Charity Foundation over the years. Their generosity continues to make a real difference to people affected by cancer, helping ensure that no one has to face the journey alone.
