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Beatson Cancer Charity, has today (19 June) recruited the support of STV personalities to launch its annual sponsored 10k walk 'Off The Beatson Track' to raise vital funds for patients and families affected by cancer across Scotland.
STV’s showbiz reporter Laura Boyd, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in 2009, and Live at Five TV presenter David Farrell, are appealing to everyone who has been touched by the wonderful care and support provided by The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (The Beatson) to go ‘Off The Beatson Track’ in this fun-filled event on Sunday 27th August.
To launch the event, Laura and David were joined by P4-6 school pupils from Glasgow Academy Prep School and the charity’s first ever mascot, Bella Beatson, who all sported their brightest yellow attire and donned their walking shoes as they paid a visit to The Beatson in prepration for the big event.
Laura and David will join thousands of Beatson Cancer Charity supporters, former patients, their friends and family as they take a stroll through the West End of Glasgow in their cheerful, sunniest yellow fancy dress outfits to raise money to improve the lives of those affected by cancer across Scotland.
Commenting on the event, Laura said:
“I am so happy to be able to take part in this year’s ‘Off The Beatson Track’, it is something I have always wanted to do.
“Having been diagnosed with cancer myself eight years ago, I have witnessed first-hand the amazing work Beatson Cancer Charity does to help and support its patients at the times they need it the most. It’s an incredible organisation and I’d like to encourage everyone to do what they can to ensure that even more people like myself can experience the fantastic services this charity so kindly provides. I’ll see you in your brightest yellow gear at the starting line!”
David added:
“It’s a real pleasure to be involved in this special event. Beatson Cancer Charity continuously puts its patients and their families at the heart of everything they do – its invaluable support is nothing short of outstanding.
“Cancer affects so many people across Scotland and I want to do what I can to show my support by taking part in this years ‘Off The Beatson Track’ - it's a brilliant opportunity to support such a great cause.”
The six and a half mile walk on fully accessible paths will start and finish at Riverside Museum and take in some of the iconic sights of Glasgow’s West End including The Beatson which the charity works so hard to support. Participants will be able to visit the new Beatson café for a quick water stop, as well as grabbing a photograph with Beatson Cancer Charity’s new lovable mascot, Bella Beatson. There will be lots of unique and exciting entertainment to keep all the walkers and crowds entertained throughout the day.
Morag Cunningham, Head of Fundraising at Beatson Cancer Charity, said:
“We’re excited to be going ‘Off The Beatson Track’ once again and are pleased to have Laura and David joining us.
“Over 5,000 people have participated in this event and last year our fantastic supporters raised over £165,000 to help support Beatson patients and their families – this year we’re hoping it will be even bigger and brighter than ever before. The event is suitable for all ages and abilities, so bring along your families, friends and even your dogs to make it a big Beatson day to remember – we’ll see you there!"
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 The Beatson and its satellite locations each year.
