Glasgow couple raising money for Beatson Cancer Charity to win dream wedding

A couple from Cadder in Glasgow are battling against four other couples to win their dream wedding – by raising money for Beatson Cancer Charity. 

Ashleigh Edgar is a nurse who used to work in the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, and Derek McCarvel is a porter who has worked in the Beatson for over 17 years. 

The couple met when they both worked in the cancer centre over six years ago and have dreamed of getting married. 

After visiting Citation Glasgow this year, the couple loved the venue but held off on booking. 

They then heard about Go Radio’s competition to win your dream wedding at Citation Glasgow by raising the most money for a charity of their choice and decided to enter.  

When they were picked as a finalist, they chose to raise money for Beatson Cancer Charity. 

Ashleigh said: “It would mean the world to us but at the same time, raising money for charity is just amazing. 

“The work that you do, we see first-hand where that money goes. 

“Being a nurse, I see first-hand how patients are affected by cancer. 

“Sometimes the prognosis isn’t good, so there’s the support that yourselves offer their families, their friends, the patient themselves.” 

All the couples were able to start their fundraising last Friday 25th February, and have until Friday 11th March to raise the money. 

Events and bucket collections the couple have organised are listed below.

As a porter in the hospital, Derek has built good relationships with many patients over the 17 years he’s been working there. 

Derek said: “I’ve been there for several years now - I feel like a part of the furniture. 

“The job that you guys do in there is fantastic and it takes a lot of the bad thoughts out of patients’ minds. 

"The difference in the treatment that people are getting has come on leaps and bounds. 

“We go to the wards and take them down on either their chair or a trolley for their treatment. 

“You do get to really know them – that wee chat sometimes makes their day.” 

Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are delighted Ashleigh and Derek chose to support us in their bid to win their dream wedding. 

“Derek is a familiar face with many patients at the Beatson and many of them are very fond of him. 

“We wish them both all the best in the competition – good luck!” 

You can help Ashleigh and Derek in their bid to win their dream wedding by donating here.