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A Beatson Cancer Charity supporter has offered to pay for the monthly subscription to fund a BT Sports package for cancer patients to benefit from.
Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre in The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre has a cinema room where patients are able to access all channels including sports, to allow them to watch their favourite matches and events take place.
Mike Carlin, director of GM Civil and Structural Consulting Engineers Ltd, has now offered to pay the £140 a month subscription indefinitely to the charity to cover the cost of the BT Sports subscription.
PICTURED: Mike Carlin with his dad, Harry and former Celtic Manager, Neil Lennon
Mike’s dad previously had high grade lymphoma six years ago and went through intensive chemotherapy. However, he has now been diagnosed with low grade lymphoma, which is being monitored every three months as his body can no longer cope with chemotherapy.
Mike, who’s from Motherwell in North Lanarkshire, said: “Beatson Cancer Charity is very close to my heart following the support my dad has received, so I’m delighted I’m able to contribute in this way.
“Being in hospital receiving treatment for cancer can be quite a lonely time for these patients, and the team in the Wellbeing Centre do a fantastic job at making that time in their lives as comfortable as possible.
“I’ve watched my dad go through a lot, so I want to give back and help other patients and families in similar circumstances. I’m delighted I can contribute in this way to allow patients some downtime while they’re in hospital.”
During a visit to the Wellbeing Centre following his generous donation, Mike also offered to buy a new 70-inch TV for the centre, which has since been purchased.
One of the patients who benefits regularly from the Wellbeing Centre’s offerings is 38-year old Paul Ferguson from Coatbridge.
PICTURED: Paul Ferguson with Neil Lennon
Paul was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2021. He is currently going through his second round of chemotherapy.
Paul receives treatment every Tuesday and Friday at the hospital, and every three weeks he is admitted as an inpatient, which usually falls over a weekend.
Paul said: “I struggle to put into words how nice it has been to have the Wellbeing Centre to go to. I was in for chemo in 2021 and the centre hadn’t opened back up yet and looking back, I see the difference having the centre to go to has made to my overall experience this time round.
“It’s just a comfortable, friendly and calm place with the nicest people looking after you. They have got to know me and know my favourite biscuits and my football team, that personal touch means so much.
“The fact I don’t have to miss a game or don’t have to sit in a ward watching it on a tiny iPad screen is great.
“My wife, Aimee, has also felt calmer this time round knowing I can sit in the centre when she’s not with me because she knows what a lovely place it is. She thinks it’s really special and I do too.”
Former Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, came along to the Wellbeing Centre to meet Celtic fan, Paul, and was given a tour round before getting pictures with Paul and other football fans on the day.
Morag Cunningham, director of fundraising at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “Mike has been an incredible supporter over the years and we are very grateful to him for his generosity.
“Our Wellbeing Centre is a sanctuary for patients and their families to go to before or after their treatment and having access to a cinema room where they can watch their favourite sports on a big screen makes their time in hospital a lot more relaxing.
“We would like to say thank you to Mike for this kind gesture which will benefit many patients now and in the future.”
