Team Hicks are going Off The Beatson Track their own way!

Beatson Cancer Charity is going virtual with their 7th annual Off the Beatson Track in August. The Hicks family from Helensburgh are very much looking forward to taking part as the family have had to face a particularly difficult cancer journey over recent years.

Donna Hicks had always lived a reasonably healthy lifestyle, but hadn’t been feeling well since her daughter was born in 2013. A combination of extreme fatigue and back pain was becoming problematic. Eventually Donna was referred to a haematologist as there was concern around some blood test results.

Donna explained, “I worked in social care for over 22 years but since my youngest daughter was born I had noticed I was extremely fatigued. Turns out after a lot of tests that I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. I was devastated.”

“It coincided with the news of my mum passing from lung cancer which came shortly after my father’s death, also from cancer in late 2019. I managed to keep my diagnosis secret for a few weeks to prevent any further upset within the family.”

“We want to do this as a family, as I have received wonderful support from my consultant Dr Soutar from Beatson West of Scotland Cancer hospital.” Since having to take early retirement on ill-health Donna, added

“My life is now very different, but I’m determined to make the best of everything. As well as looking after my 3 amazing children, I am involved locally in many volunteering roles. With the support of many talented friends, we have hosted fundraising concerts of songs from musicals.

"We’ve been raising money, each year for the Beatson Cancer Charity as we are grateful for the amazing work they do. I know this first-hand as I’ve been lucky enough to benefit from the fantastic therapies on offer, and I love being able to spend some quiet time in the Well-being Centre. It’s a beautiful haven in the midst of what is often a frightening, stressful experience."

“It’s taken me some time to accept my situation, and I’ll be on treatment for life. For the sake of my family, I want to be as positive as I possibly can be and I’m grateful to everyone who volunteers and works at the Beatson Cancer Charity for playing their part in this Please support and walk with us.”

Sign up to go Off The Beatson Track your own way here.