Donate
On 28th August 1,900 people from all over Scotland took part in Beatson Cancer Charity’s annual event ‘Off The Beatson Track’ to raise much needed funds for the charity.
Glaswegian actress and Ambassador for Beatson Cancer Charity Laura Fraser, famous for her many roles including Lydia in the crime drama Breaking Bad, joined supporters of the charity, former patients of The Beatson and family members to mark the event’s third year.
The event was made all the more special with the surprise unveiling of Beatson Cancer Charity’s first official mascot, Bella Beatson who was designed by Emma McGinley aged 12 of Kelvindale Primary School.
Earlier this year, pupils were invited to get creative and take part in Beatson Cancer Charity’s competition to create and name the charity’s very first mascot. The competition received over 1,600 entries and Emma’s winning design was selected by the judging panel that consisted of Beatson Cancer Charity staff, supporters and Ambassadors including The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Glasgow, Sadie Docherty.
The newly-designed mascot led the way as a sea of yellow flooded through Glasgow’s West End. From sunflowers to ducks and even minions, this was an inspirational walking event with a colourful twist.
David Welch, chief executive of Beatson Cancer Charity, said:
“It’s overwhelming to see how many people have come to take part in our third ‘Off The Beatson Track’. It’s incredible the support the charity is receiving from people all over Glasgow and indeed Scotland.
“I would like to thank each and every single person who took part and raised sponsorship money to help us support the thousands of patients and their families who attend The Beatson and related facilities each year. Their generosity will have a direct impact on cancer patients and their families through the work of the charity, now and in the future.”
The six and a half mile walk started and finished at the Riverside Museum, taking in some of the iconic sights of Glasgow’s West End including The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre that the charity works so hard to support. The participants were also treated to exciting entertainment to keep the party going throughout the day, including a live set from Capital FM Scotland’s drive time presenter Garry Spence and breakfast show co-presenter Jennie Cook.
Commenting on the events of the day, Laura Fraser said:
“It was a real honour to be part of this special event, it’s amazing to see so many people taking part and standing up to the fight against cancer. There’s a real party atmosphere here today – it’s wonderful to see a sea of yellow making its way through Glasgow’s West End once again.
“Beatson Cancer Charity has touched the lives of so many patients and families at The Beatson, people are always telling me how much the charity has done for them. It’s an honour to stand with everyone here today and celebrate the amazing work Beatson Cancer Charity does to help people at the times they need it the most.”
All funds raised from the event will help the charity provide specialist staff posts including nursing, radiography, physics and research based staff as well as funding enhanced medical equipment, innovative service developments and novel research projects and educational initiatives to support the 8000 new patients who attend The Beatson and its satellite locations each year.
