Donate
Katie Paterson, aged just 8, has received Radiotherapy and is awaiting Chemotherapy, from our West of Scotland Cancer Centre and members of Hamilton Operatic Dramatic Club have been racking up miles for Katie and need your help to raise funds for us.
They have already smashed their initial 1000 mile target, but with 6 days to go before their challenge ends, they are committed to raising as much money as possible.
The group have managed to raise a whopping £3000 through covering the daunting distance, made more poignant by their commitments of home schooling, working from home and overall stress during the pandemic, something we can all relate to. Despite these challenges, club members were determined to let nothing stand in his way.
Chris MacFarlane, who is president of the Hamilton Operatic Dramatic Club said:
“Katie is an inspiration to us all and we are using that inspiration for this challenge to raise what we can to assist Beatson Cancer Charity in all the amazing work they do and the incredible care they provide.
'We as a club are incredibly touched by everyone's generosity in these very hard times, we are also so very proud of all our members for the miles they have walked and the money we have raised so far. This has brought out club closer than ever and emphasised the family unit that we are.
“So, if you can donate, no matter how little, that would be greatly appreciated.”
“Graham and I have been blown away by the level of care and compassion Katie has received since her diagnosis in December. Everything moved quickly for us and Katie attended the Beatson for a six-week course of radiotherapy. Jill Scott and the team of radiographers, anaesthetists and nurses who looked after Katie went above and beyond daily to ensure she was happy and comfortable. In the middle of the pandemic, they became almost like our family and were an amazing support. Katie’s last day of treatment was on her birthday. The team organised a lovely Disney Princess party for her to mark the bed of treatment. It was amazing!”
Elaine and Graham Paterson, Katie's ParentsKatie said: “ I loved my treatment at The Beatson because I had nice nurses and radiographers who looked after me. There was a fairy door in my treatment area and Tinkerbell would leave me a daily note and joke. I really miss going everyday and seeing Jill and the rest of the team. They are amazing! “
Kind-hearted Katie even donated her lovely long locks of hair before treatment started and donated it to the Little Princess Trust.
The group’s great feat comes as we are reminded that during the pandemic, regular treatment has been kept as available as possible. For children like Katie, this means that even during lockdown The Beatson can provide world-class care to her and patients like her.
Charlene Low, Corporate Fundraiser at the Beatson Cancer Charity, said “Katie has had a cancer journey which would be daunting to any adult, with her brain tumour and lockdown combined. However, the sense of love and community spirit forthcoming from the efforts of her family has been truly heart- warming.
“Chris’ efforts and those of the community have demonstrated a capacity for human kindness in the face of great adversity which is nothing short of inspiring.”
The group’s Just Giving page will be open for donations until Tuesday March 30th (may be extended).
