Donate
We are launching our Bauble Appeal this Christmas to ensure more patients and their families across the west of Scotland can be supported by our services.
Beatson Cancer Charity’s using the festive season to share positive stories of Hope, Celebrate, Thank and Remember to shine a spotlight on our Bauble Appeal.
Donate to the Bauble Appeal here
Everyone has their own reason to hang a Beatson Bauble. It may be to remember someone special, or to celebrate some good news. Perhaps you would like to thank the staff at The Beatson, or give hope to patients.
Paul Shepherd, who lives on Isle of Bute but is originally from Johnstone, Renfrew, is supporting our Beatson Bauble Appeal in memory of his wife, Brenda.
WATCH: Bauble 2022: Paul's Story
Video
Paul said: “Brenda was diagnosed with leukaemia in April 2022.
“She had to go for a blood test in order to renew her prescription so she was called in to the GP. Normally you don’t hear anything but she got called back and they started tests as her white count was so low.
“They were so concerned that she had developed an infection that resulted on the 21st May, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.
“She had no symptoms, she was feeling fine. In fact, we were actually on holiday when some of it started and she wasn’t up or down, she walked round my local golf course with me the week she was admitted to The Beatson.”
Paul explains Brenda’s treatment at the Beatson started shortly after she was diagnosed.
PICTURED: Paul and Brenda celebrating Christmas together
He continued: “After discussions, we agreed that she would go for multiple courses of chemotherapy.
“I think we knew the risks but I don’t think we ever expected it to turn out the way it did.
“On the 13th of June she had successfully completed her first round of chemotherapy but unfortunately at that point she started to develop infections.
“The ward closed because of covid so I couldn’t visit for two weeks and then on 4th July I got a phone call to say that she had taken a dip and that’s when I went over.
“On the 5th we were told that she had such severe infections that there was nothing else they could do and she passed away early hours of the morning on the 6th. It was very quick from the diagnosis. The main thing was for us, for Brenda, was that her passing was peaceful.”
Brenda kindly helped us to reopen our Wellbeing Centre on 20th June this year after it being closed to patients due to the pandemic. STV News interviewed Brenda on the day, which was featured on the news that evening. Sadly, Brenda passed away just over two weeks later.
Paul said: “I have been to the Wellbeing Centre twice since Brenda passed, and I myself can get the sense of comfort from being there and I know that when Brenda saw it she was really keen for us to both access it, had it been open because the view across the city is fantastic.”
“I think it’s an incredible place, and I can see the escape people can get from the ward. Even on the wards they do amazing. Cancer and chemo is such a difficult thing, so being able to build up that rapport with patients whilst remaining professional is absolutely incredible.”
By donating to the Beatson Bauble Appeal you will continue to provide care, love and hope to families this festive season and beyond.
Everyone who donates will receive two baubles in the post – one to hang on their own tree at home, and one to send back to be hung on the Beatson tree.
Rachel Mullin, Campaigns Officer at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are delighted to be launching our Bauble Appeal with the support of some patients and family members who have been kind enough to share their story.
“They all have first-hand experience of the Beatson and the difference our charity’s services make to patients.
“We would be grateful for any support you can offer us this Christmas so we can continue to be there for patients and families across the west of Scotland.”
Please join in supporting Beatson Cancer Charity’s Bauble Appeal and hang a Beatson Bauble: www.beatsoncancercharity.org/bauble
You can also donate by texting BEATSON to 70460 to donate £10 or you can call 0141 212 0505.
