After the success of the Beatson Booby Birds skydive in October 2019 and the challenges of 2020 we are absolutely delighted to announce that 20 men in Business and of profile will be taking to the skies of Fife on Saturday the 4th of September as Beatson’s Ball Busters 2021 raising funds collectively to make a difference for those patients and their families facing cancer.
Not for the faint-hearted, you will use a dual harness securely attached to one of the instructors from St Andrew’s Skydive Centre you will exit the aircraft from up to 10,000 ft above the ground and you will experience approximately 30 seconds of free fall – diving through the air at up to 120 miles per hour – before the instructor deploys the parachute at around 5000ft.
You will enjoy beautiful views over the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh and Fife and your instructor may even let you take the steering reins. Check out the St Andrews Skydiving Centre here.
If taking on the 10,000 ft skydive doesn’t scare you but the thought of raising £5,000 please don’t worry we will support you every step of the way and come up with ideas and different ways to fundraise…we are with you every ft of the skydiving journey.
Some of the inspiring and brave ladies who took part in 2019 created Just Giving pages, organized family and friend fun days, raffles and there was even a Beatson Booby Bird Ball afterwards to raise further funds.
To see about the ladies that took part and why you can click here.
If you wish to find out more about how to get involved please email Charlene Low via Charlene.low@beatsoncancercharity.org or call on 0141 212 0505.
You can also donate via our Beatson Ball Busters Just Giving Page here.
"I am delighted to be representing such an amazing organisation that has been a great support to friends and family in the past and currently."
At CPS Limited we offer a full turnkey service of design, supply, install, electrical wiring, commissioning and maintenance for smoke ventilation, car park fume general ventilation, fume/smoke detection and intelligent parking management systems
"I will be jumping alongside my brother Grant and we will both be taking on this terrifying challenge and hope that everyone will get behind us and sponsor us in order to support those facing cancer."
Electrical Fitter to trade for 9 years with the same company which I loved every minute of and taught me a lot. Having a close relationship with my dad I decided to have a total career change to work for his growing family business with 30 years of experience in the industry with turnover increasing year on year.
After 5 years of learning the business, I set up 2 other businesses that now work perfectly together offering that one-stop shop.
"I know many people who have been treated at the Beatson and know the great work that they do and the charity supports those who need it the most, not only the patients but also family friends and work colleagues. Cancer hits everyone and I hope I can raise as much as possible to help support this great charity. "
Owns an Award-winning Barber in the Merchant City of Glasgow. Grant and his team of stylists are looking forward to raising funds for Beatson Cancer Charity.
nineteenglasgow.co.uk →
"The Beatson has supported family members and many others. I am looking forward to raising money for Beatson Cancer Charity in many ways through the restaurant and also a Golf Day in the coming months. The charity to a great job in supporting those facing cancer and I will do all that I can to hit the target and raise awareness for this great cause."
Nonna’s kitchen is a firm favourite within the tranquil surroundings of Kirkintilloch’s canal. Everything from mouth-watering pizzas and pastas to tantalising steaks and seafood is cooked to perfection. Fraser is looking forward to taking on the challenge alongside his friend Charles Connelly.
nonnaskitchenandbar.com →
"Working within the railway industry I hear of men being affected by cancer in so many ways. When Fraser called me to ask if I’d do a skydive to raise funds for Beatson Cancer Charity my immediate response was absolutely. I didn’t have to think twice about it. I’m hoping to raise as much as I can to support those unfortunate enough to face a cancer diagnosis and looking forward to sharing a special experience with a few of my mates."
'I'm doing the skydive because it is a great way to raise money for a great charity. It's something I have always wanted to do.'
Hollicom is a Public Relations consultancy based in Glasgow. We work with clients from financial and legal services to restaurants and the charity sector. Recently, we worked with The Beatson cancer Charity on their See The Difference campaign to raise money for a new MRI scanner. Founded in 2017, Hollicom is led by CEO Mark Hollinshead, former board director of LSE-listed media giant Trinity Mirror plc and previously Managing Director of Daily Record and Sunday Mail publisher Media Scotland. We have cultivated a talented team with decades of experience across traditional, digital, and broadcast media. Our team create, plan and execute public relations and media campaigns for national, and international clients.
I have found myself asking myself why I am taking part regularly as the time until the jump ticks down. It is something I have always wanted to do, despite having a crippling fear of flying. The cause is very important to me because my grandfather, Jimmy, spent the last few weeks of his life in the Beatson. Their care for him was truly remarkable and I have always looked for a way to give back. Working with them at Hollicom on the MRI appeal was a great start, but I hope that this skydive is a chance to personally raise money for a great cause close to my family.
hollicom.co.uk →
"The Beatson has been a big part of my life recently. My wife Lynsey was treated there for breast cancer in 2019 and our friend Simon is currently attending, undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. My wife was part of the Booby Birds campaign and successfully completed the skydive in 2019 - not that I’m competitive or anything but if she can do it…"
Harvey Donaldson & Gibson is one of the largest specialist residential surveying practices in Scotland. The original partnership of Harvey & Donaldson was established around 50 years ago. Our company is a well-regarded and trusted organization which has and continues to help thousands of sellers across the length and breadth of the country to get their properties ready for sale. Our national surveyor coverage combined with intensive local knowledge, allows us to deliver a service that is second to none.
"I wanted to do the skydive to raise funds for Beatson Cancer Charity and to support those battling cancer. My mum faced cancer a few years ago and she came out the other side with some great support along the way. Hopefully with the funds raised from us all taking part in this challenge it can go towards helping those facing extremely difficult times."
Managing Director of Air Control Entech where I grew the business from a single man operation into a company with multiple employees. In my time as MD I have taken a small start up company into a commercially viable business. Along the way I have been nominated for Emerging Entrepreneur Awards and the business has also been nominated for multiple awards relating to innovative technologies and technologies that enable a safer work place. Air Control Entech are currently the leading UAV technology company for the Oil & Gas industry globally with particular focus on the Asset Integrity business.
'I'm supporting Beatson Cancer Charity because I've seen it first-hand the amazing difference they can make to people that are suffering with cancer. I've known a few work colleagues throughout the years that I have had the privilege of visiting at the Beatson and they raved about the emotional support and the physical support as well.'
I am privileged to work at Clydebank High School where I am Curricular Leader of Science. We recently lost a much loved colleague, Chemistry teacher Dr Graham Simpson to cancer after a long, hard fight.
Our school community has adopted the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre as our main focus for fund-raising and this is my contribution.
I visited Graham many times in the Beatson. He raved about the support he received both physically & emotionally. It's a hugely inspirational place and deserves our support.
I am also an ex infantry soldier and veteran of the Iraq war.
I have flown in many different aircraft but never had the urge to jump out a perfectly good one, until now, for a very good cause!
"I lost my mum 10 years ago to cancer and my wife also lost her aunt to this disease that affects so many of us. I’ve always wanted to do something for a cancer charity, to pay it back I suppose? So, this is my chance. And what better way to do it than to face my biggest fear, heights, and jump out of a plane!! Beatson do such great work, so thank you for your support, it’s greatly appreciated.”
James Mackenzie is a Scottish actor and game show host, best known for playing the original lead role in the children's game show Raven. His titular character's catchphrase on the show was "Let the challenge... Begin." He has also played Gary Trenton in the BBC Scotland soap opera River City. James now plays a widower father in the Cbeebies children's TV show Molly and Mack.
I have been Director of Philanthropy with the Beatson Cancer Charity since March 2018. It has been a sheer privilege to work alongside clinical colleagues, our amazing researchers and incredibly generous donors in securing the funds needed to bring world-class capabilities to the Beatson such as the soon to be complete MRI imaging suite and support our own unique services that are treasured by patients and their families.
Skydiving with the Ballbusters gives a great opportunity to combine my passion for the Beatson with aviation. Having a history with a group of aircraft enthusiasts also known as the Royal Air Force, I’m pretty comfortable in the air. That doesn’t mean skydiving will come naturally to me. In the RAF something has to have gone seriously wrong with the aircraft before we start jumping out of them!
Robert 'Bobby' Barr is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Cowdenbeath FC and his full football team are supporting his decision to take on this challenge.
" I’ve had family members who have passed away from cancer and my wife’s papa spent some time in the Beatson when he was going through his treatment so I know how great the care provided for is and I just want to do my bit by helping raise as much money as I possibly can for a great charity."
'I'm supporting Beatson Cancer Charity because I know of the amazing work they do. I've had friends who have been treated at The Beatson and I know first hand how amazing the work is that they do.'
Jordan is best known for his roles in River City and Scot Squad and hit film Filth. A huge supporter of all charities and during lockdown appeared as one of our ”Eggheads” on the online quiz Beat the Beatson, helping us to raise much-needed funds during the pandemic. We are very excited that Jordan has agreed to take on this challenge as he is terrified of heights and he will be jumping alongside pal and fellow actor James Mackenzie.
"Cancer has left a massive hole in my families lives. March 2020, my mum, June, sadly lost her battle with the disease that rapidly, within a 6 month period had turned our whole world upside down. Now I know that I, we, wont stop Cancer from your sole donation but it is my goal to raise as much funds with your generous donations to ensure the funds we do raise, can go towards easing, prolonging, assisting in cancer patients time with their loved ones, as I for one, would give anything to have had more time with mum"
Donate
