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A group of close friends are rallying together to take part in Beatson Cancer Charity’s annual 10k walk, ‘Off the Beatson Track,’ which walk takes place on Sunday 25th August, which STV’s Laura Boyd and Heart FM and BBC’s David Farrell will be hosting, in support of their Fraser, who is currently undergoing treatment for stomach cancer.
PICTURED: Fraser Smith before his cancer diagnosis.
Sign up for 'Off the Beatson Track'
Fraser’s diagnosis came unexpectedly. He had been feeling unwell, experiencing fatigue and weight loss, which he initially attributed to his busy lifestyle involving frequent work travel, golf, and exercise. A comment from a colleague about his significant weight loss prompted a visit to A&E. After several tests, Fraser was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in the later stages in his stomach.
Following his diagnosis, Fraser spent a week in the hospital undergoing various treatments. The tumour was bleeding, leading to dangerously low haemoglobin levels, which caused his fatigue. Despite the severity of his condition, Fraser experienced no pain, making the diagnosis even more surprising.
Fraser is now undergoing treatment and has found the medical staff at the Beatson to be exceptionally supportive and compassionate.
He said: “Everyone was brilliant, they couldn’t do enough for me.”
Tanya Smith is one of Fraser's close friends taking part in ‘Off the Beatson Track’ , she said: “I done ‘Off the Beatson Track’ last year with my friend and loved it. It was a great day out for a good cause and it’s even more important to do it this year, for Fraser.”
PICTURED: Fraser was often found on the golf course.
The last decade has seen over 17,000 participants walk over 106,000 miles - making it Glasgow's brightest sponsored walk. The fun-filled 10k walk is fully accessible and suitable for all ages with plenty of family entertainment.
Those taking part in the event will be given a free 'Off the Beatson Track' t-shirt after signing up, and a medal for completing it.
The event will start at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow and go past The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre on Great Western Road, via Kelvingrove Museum and back to the Riverside Museum to finish.
The charity’s encouraging walkers to stay and enjoy the festival village once they have crossed the finish line back at the Riverside Museum afterwards, where there will be entertainment and food stalls.
Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating our 11th Off the Beatson Track event this year.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who has taken part over the years – some families have been with us since the beginning, so we hope everyone will get behind the celebrations this year and join us.
“Every single person who signs up is allowing us to support more cancer patients and their families over the years to come, and we cannot thank you enough for that.”
For more information or to sign up to go Off the Beatson Track click here.
