introduction
who we are
Beatson Cancer Charity exists to make a real difference to the lives of people affected by cancer. We provide wellbeing and practical support for patients and families, fund specialist staff and state-of-the-art equipment, and invest in pioneering research that will shape the future of cancer care. Everything we do is focused on ensuring patients across the west of Scotland receive the very best treatment, comfort, and care.
what we do
We bring communities together to support one another through fundraising, volunteering, and awareness. This generosity allows us to offer vital services such as counselling, complementary therapies, financial advice, and wellbeing programmes – helping people feel supported at every stage of their cancer care. Guided by our vision and values, we are committed to providing comfort, guidance, and hope to patients, families, and carers when they need it most.
where we work
Our services are delivered at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (known as The Beatson) – the largest cancer centre in Scotland – and in eight satellite hospitals across the region. Together, these hospitals care for more than 8,000 new cancer patients each year. By being present in so many locations, we ensure our support reaches people wherever they are receiving treatment, offering continuity of care and a reassuring presence close to home.
overview
Roger White Chair
As Chair of Beatson Cancer Charity, I am proud to reflect on another remarkable year of progress and partnership. Together with our supporters, fundraisers, volunteers and colleagues across the NHS, we continue to make a real difference to people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.
This year has seen important developments, including the establishment of Scotland’s first Brain Tumour Research Centre and the introduction of pioneering technology such as HyperSight at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. These achievements highlight our ongoing commitment to innovation, collaboration and excellence in care.
Everything we do is driven by a shared goal to ensure patients and families receive the very best treatment, comfort and support. The dedication and generosity of our community make this possible, and I would like to thank everyone who plays a part in our work.
Gillian Hailstones Chief Executive
It has been a year of progress, partnership and purpose for Beatson Cancer Charity. Every day, I see the compassion, dedication and innovation that drive our work – from the teams providing direct support to patients and families, to the fundraisers and volunteers who give their time so generously.
Our achievements this year, including advances in research, technology and wellbeing support, are only possible because of the continued trust and kindness of our supporters. Together, we are helping to shape a future where everyone facing cancer receives the care and hope they deserve.
successes 2024-2025
what we’ve achieved
We are proud to support the extraordinary work that takes place at The Beatson and satellite hospitals through a range of projects including medical equipment and research, the practical support that families need and a groups programme that give people the chance to gain advice and guidance.
We recognise that our patients needs’ vary and this year we have broadened our support of services to include many new areas. In addition to continuing to fund our ongoing commitments to care services, we have also moved to fund enhancements to facilities and services, bereavement and financial support services and training for those working in cancer care and new research to better inform the care of future generations.
381 collection cans in the community
71 pieces of medical equipment
189 grants
22,288 volunteer hours
4 clinical fellowships
18 research projects
£4.5m of grants awarded
42 room refurbishments
17 fixed term staff posts
31 emergency and matrimonial grants
1,370 Bite to Eat vouchers
1,712 participants in challenge events
5,524 people took part in Off the Beatson Track, the Santa Dash and other walking events
our role in cancer
Beatson Cancer Charity plays an essential role in cancer care by supporting patients and families through our Wellbeing Centre, Specialist Health and Work Service (SHAWS) and group support programmes. We offer practical and emotional support that helps people feel cared for and connected during their cancer treatments and after.
wellbeing centre
Total Wellbeing Centre Visits
Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre is a unique space within The Beatson, designed to provide a calm and supportive environment away from the wards and clinics. This year we welcomed 21,637 visitors to the centre, with our wellbeing team delivering a total of 10,050 therapy, hair and wig appointments.
Unique Visitors to Wellbeing Centre
20.4% increase in unique visitors to the wellbeing centre in comparison to 2023/24.
Our Outreach Services are aimed at improving cancer care. We support those living with and beyond cancer through our Living with Uncertainty and Fear of Recurrence group programmes. Our Specialist Health and Work Service supports people impacted by cancer with all aspects of their work life. We also offer sessions to employers, supporting them to better understand the needs of colleagues with cancer. Our Bereavement Service offers support to anyone over 18 who has been bereaved by cancer.
Our Specialist Health and Work Service is experienced in health and work issues that may arise as a result of a cancer diagnosis. We support those affected by cancer and those caring for someone with cancer.
Unique visit numbers show how many individual people came to our centre over the year, counting each person just once, no matter how many times they visited.
Outreach Services Referrals
13.5% increase in SHAWS referrals, 43.3% increase in Bereavement referrals and 4.7% increase in Group Programmes* Referrals compared to 2023/24.
cancer care
Volunteer activity adds so much value to the services we deliver.
Volunteer Hours
20% increase in volunteer hours compared to 2023/24.
Telephone Befriending
18,576
22,288 2023/24 2024/25
Volunteer Hours by Area
Our telephone befriending service helps by offering a friendly, trusted voice at the other end of the line, a chance to share conversation, companionship and support. This support is invaluable, helping more people feel connected and cared for.
1,695 total calls
52,085 minutes of conversations = equivalent of 36 days and 4 hours
Supported
97 individuals throughout the year (including 45 new clients)
together we’ve
philanthropy
Most of philanthropic income was received from charitable trusts and grant makers, with the remainder kindly gifted by major donors. The impact these donations have upon charity and hospital services is huge. Almost 70% of philanthropy income was restricted for specific projects, with 30% designated for charity services of Wellbeing, Outreach and Volunteering. This includes generous support from The National Lottery Community Fund for the continuation of our Group Programmes for those experiencing severe anxiety and distress, and from NHS Greater Glasgow Endowment
events and fundraising
Funds (now the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Healthcare Charity) for the development of a bereavement support service. Some income benefitted projects within the hospital including environmental upgrades or equipment with the remainder going towards advances in research. Many of our key services would not be possible without the generosity of our philanthropy donors.
introducing new events
New events introduced in 2024/25 encouraged more people to run and raise funds for us. Highlights included Run the Runway, which gave participants the unique opportunity to race along a closed Prestwick runway organised by Prestwick airport who nominated three charities. We also launched our firstever Beatson Bikers, inspired by Business Ambassador Derek Provan, which proved a huge success with more than 250 enthusiastic bikers joining to raise vital funds.
There was a welcome boost in beneficiary events with many new workplaces nominating us as their chosen charity of the year.
Thank you to all supporters, sponsors and contributors at these events.
Growth in fundraising was driven by exceptional participation in our expanding calendar of community events. Our flagship fundraisers, including Off the Beatson Track, proudly sponsored by Allied Vehicles, and Glasgow’s Santa Dash, proudly sponsored by GAP Group, St Enoch and CCL Design, which welcomed record-breaking numbers of supporters.
Off the Beatson Track 2024
Glasgow’s Santa Dash 2024
achieved
digital slide scanner
The Glasgow Tissue Research Facility (GTRF), in partnership with the NHS GGC Biorepository, plays a vital role in advancing cancer research by providing researchers with cancer tissue samples and cutting-edge digital pathology services. With support from a £76,000 grant from Beatson Cancer Charity, GTRF has upgraded to a next generation digital slide scanner which produces highresolution digital images of tissue samples.
upgraded chemotherapy chairs
Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Beatson Cancer Charity funded 13 upgraded chemotherapy chairs worth £49,725 for use at The Beatson and Beatson satellite sites across NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. To date, the charity has funded 50 upgraded chairs across the region over the last two years. These upgraded chairs offer improved comfort, better head support, and enhanced safety for patients who may feel faint or unsteady during long treatment sessions.
hypersight technology
An exciting project which our donors really got behind this year was the purchase of a HyperSight system for use at The Beatson. HyperSight technology can enhance existing linear accelerators by generating much bigger, clearer images of the treatment field, helping clinical teams to deliver radiotherapy treatment with greater accuracy. This reduces the impact on surrounding tissue and improves patient outcomes. The Beatson was one of the first cancer centres in the UK to embrace this new technology, and that was all down to the support of our donors.
The full cost of the equipment was met by our donors, with charitable trusts, grant makers and major donors making generous awards totalling £197,000. A public appeal also saw almost on thousand individuals gift a
bladder scanners
During 2024/25, the charity awarded a £25,667 grant for three additional bladder scanners which will help to ensure the safety and efficiency of radiotherapy treatments. This medical equipment will also help to reduce patient waiting times at The Beatson.
wonderful total of £73,000, making this one of our most successful appeals to date. Beatson Cancer Charity is delighted to have played a pivotal role in bringing this world-class technology to The Beatson for the benefit of cancer patients across the region.
how we’ve raised our funds
This year was one of the most successful in our charity’s history, made possible by the generosity and commitment of everyone who chose to support us. Whether through donations, fundraising or partnerships, our community has helped ensure we can continue providing care and support for people affected by cancer. It is not possible to share everything that has happened this year, but we are proud to showcase a selection of the moments that defined it.
corporate spotlight: six by nico
In 2024, hospitality group Six by Nico reached their incredible £1 million milestone in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.
This achievement was made possible through customer donations via bills, staff fundraising, and high-profile events such as their glamorous Grand Gala.
The partnership, which began with the launch of Beat6 – now rebranded as Bamboleo – has helped fund vital new equipment and innovations, ensuring patients and families benefit directly from their generosity.
sponsorship: arnold clark
We sincerely extend our gratitude to Arnold Clark for their generous support and partnership. Their contribution has been instrumental in the success of many of our initiatives, which includes print sponsorship, branded vans and auction prizes. We deeply value their commitment to our goals.
sponsorship: allied vehicles
Allied Vehicles has committed £250,000 over the next five years to Beatson Cancer Charity, sponsoring two of our fundraising events – Off the Beatson Track and our annual Sporting Dinner.
This significant investment reflects Allied Vehicles’ long-term dedication to supporting their community and strengthening cancer services across the west of Scotland.
Nico Simeone, restaurant owner
working with and for young people
Working with young people is an important area for the team to help inform and educate about the charity and its work.
teenage and young adult cancer care
Teenagers and young adults receiving cancer treatment at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre are now being offered specially designed tote bags to provide comfort and practical support during their hospital stay. Funded by a £11,200 grant from Beatson Cancer Charity and developed by The Beatson’s Teenage and Young Adult Team in collaboration with the Youth Advisory Forum, the bags include thoughtful items such as a cosy blanket, skincare products, a reusable water bottle, and a long charging cable – essentials chosen by young people who have experience of cancer.
engaging education
The charity launched its schools programme in 2018 in order to engage and empower young people, helping them understand the important role they can play in supporting their local community. Our Schools Fundraiser, Katie MacIver believes that young people are the future of fundraising, bringing fresh perspectives, creativity and positivity. She tailors her approach to suit a wide range of personalities, abilities and environments, which allows all young people – regardless of their background or confidence level – feel included and empowered in the difference they are making.
Her role is centred on creating memorable and meaningful experiences for young people that go beyond raising money.
Katie focuses on building strong relationships with teachers and pupils, offering encouragement that helps them to take ownership of their fundraising efforts – whether she is coordinating events, delivering workshops, or simply being an open point of contact. We hope that by supporting young people, they will understand more about the impact they can play within their local communities and for those living with cancer across the west of Scotland.
Some examples from the last academic year:
Wallacewell Primary showed incredible support when pupil Finn McLaughlin held a stall at the school’s sports day in memory of his mum, Vivienne – fondly known as “The Wee PT.” With Bella Bee joining the fun, the event raised an amazing £382 . Finn went on to continue his fundraising later in the year by selling homemade jam at the school’s Christmas fayre, raising a further £170 in his mum’s memory.
A teacher from Gartocharn Primary – whose brother was supported by Beatson Cancer Charity – brought the whole community together for a sponsored family walk. Families dressed in yellow, joined by Bella Beatson, and took part in a bee-themed scavenger hunt around the village. This uplifting day raised an incredible £2,085
Hollybrook Academy honoured the memory of their much-loved former head teacher, Jackie Newell, who led the school for 10 years. Staff and pupils came together to fundraise in her name, raising an outstanding £3,249
Sixth-year students from Hermitage Academy demonstrated remarkable care and compassion through their fundraising activities. They organised talent shows, bake sales and other initiatives, collectively raising over £2,200
establishment of scottish brain tumour research centre
Partnership with charity, Brain Tumour Research.
In 2024, Beatson Cancer Charity partnered with Brain Tumour Research to establish a dedicated centre of excellence in Scotland, focused on glioblastoma – the most aggressive form of brain tumour. This collaboration brings together Beatson Cancer Charity’s commitment to supporting patients and local research with Brain Tumour Research’s expertise in advancing scientific understanding and innovative treatments.
Each year, more than 1,000 people in Scotland are diagnosed with a brain tumour, including 433 with a high-grade tumour. Brain tumours kill more people under 40 than any other cancer, yet they receive only 1% of cancer research funding, highlighting the urgent need for investment in this underfunded area.
In just one year, we have been proud to play a part in major fundraising events, including The Donald Malcolm Memorial Ball organised by The Malcolm Group and the award-winning Chefs’ Table. The Chefs’ Table event was inspired by chef Andrew Hamer, Managing
Director at Wilde Thyme, who tragically lost both his sister and his friend, the renowned chef Andrew Fairlie to a glioblastoma. The Chefs’ Table event has become a power showcase of generosity and forward-thinking support for cancer care.
These exclusive occasions not only raised vital funds but also underscored the invaluable commitments made by our partners.
Together, they achieved outstanding results, significantly strengthening funding for the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre.
The Centre opened and was fully operational in January 2025, just one year after campaign launch.
The Centre is already taking forward a new treatment option with patient trials and recruitment of high calibre researchers between University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow.
The Donald Malcolm Memorial Ball
Chefs’ Table
We have been seeking new ways to grow our retail activity and see our cafe and online shop as a growing way to raise vital funds for our charitable activities.
We continue to diversify our income streams and retail offers a way to do this while offering the opportunity for volunteer and public engagement.
35,095 refreshments served
99,000 customers
All staff trained and accredited for food safety level 2
communications spotlight
STV: A Day in the Life at The Beatson Working alongside our colleagues at the NHS, STV were given special access to The Beatson to capture a unique insight into cancer care – both the clinical treatments and the holistic support that patients and families receive every day.
When the package aired in November on STV News at Six , it reached an audience of 312,000 viewers, making it the second most-watched programme in Scotland that evening –only behind I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here
The feature highlighted the compassion, expertise and dedication of staff, while also shining a light on the role Beatson Cancer Charity plays in enhancing care across the hospital. This included the holistic approach delivered through our Wellbeing Centre, which provides complementary therapies, emotional support and a welcoming space for patients and families away from the clinical setting.
Beatson Talks Podcast
In 2024, we launched our podcast Beatson Talks, hosted by Laura Boyd, to shine a light on the experiences, challenges and breakthroughs in cancer care. Within its first six months, the podcast reached over 17,000 downloads, showing how many people are engaging with and valuing these conversations about cancer.
Across the first three seasons, we’ve welcomed guests such as rising pop star Roisin McCarney speaking about
In 2024/25, Beatson Cancer Charity was featured in 2,867 media mentions, helping to raise awareness of our work, share patient and supporter stories, and highlight the difference our services make across the west of Scotland.
We saw a remarkable digital growth, welcoming over 64,000 new users . Social content reached 5.6 million impressions, with 257,792 engagements and 46,090 link clicks. Top-performing pages included Santa Dash 2024 and Off the Beatson Track, driving high interaction. With a 10.1% audience increase, our digital efforts continue to amplify awareness and support. listen now
her skin cancer diagnosis, Professor Anthony Chalmers discussing advances in research, and bereavement psychologist Jemma Byrne joining Patrick Baines to share his personal story of losing his mum and sister to cancer. Each episode offers a unique and powerful perspective.
Looking ahead, we will continue to grow the podcast, sharing stories of cancer with compassion, honesty and hope.
Host Laura Boyd with Erin and Daniel Lavery
charitable spend
We have been able with the generous support of our donors and fundraisers to commit £6.8m of charitable funding split by area of support as follows:
Grants spend:
£2.3m
£2.6m
£0.8m
£6.8m
£0.3m
£0.9m
Some Financial Highlights
More than £2.3m spent on Patient and Family Support Services including our Wellbeing Centre, Specialist Health at Work and Outreach Services.
£0.3m
Research and Clinical Trials
Medical Equipment
Education Equipment
Specialist Posts
Funding
Patient and Family Support Services
£1.5m
£4.5m
More than £4.5m of grants awarded to external projects and initiatives, including research grants, medical equipment, clinical staff education, specialist posts and innovative services.
£2.7m
Research & Innovation
Clinical Excellence
Practical Care & Support
financial statements
Financial Data 2024-25
Group statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 March 2025.
AND ENDOWMENTS
thank you from team beatson
A heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters. Any donation, small or large makes a tremendous difference in the lives of patients and their families with cancer. The generosity of our supporters is the driving force behind our ultimate aims.
The charity is so grateful to all our donors, sponsors and fundraisers who go above and beyond.
We would like to give special thanks to those for their continued support, provided funding for new initiatives and for organisations who support by providing gifts to hospital and families and prizes for auctions.
Biggest thank you to our volunteer community who donate time and effort to allow us to maximise the impact of our work and activities to ensure that resources are utilised effectively and efficiently.
Unwavering support of our generous donors, dedicated fundraisers and the wider hospital community. These contributions have played a vital role in enabling us to fulfil our mission of providing care and experience to patients and their families.
for you, thanks to you, because of you
Find out more about our growth and read some of the stories behind our work and the difference we make.
important info about us
If you would like to find out more about our charity then there are various ways that we can keep you updated with our news.
subscribe to our monthly enewsletter
follow our podcast, sharing stories of cancer with hope
check out our website for latest events and news
follow our channels and keep ahead of new group programmes and workshops
scan to read our recent impact report
Beatson Cancer Charity
The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre 1053 Great Western Road Glasgow, G12 0YN 0141 212 0505 | info@beatsoncancercharity.org www.beatsoncancercharity.org
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Registered Office:
The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, 1053 Great Western Road Glasgow, G12 0YN VAT No. 274839460 | Company No. SC461242 (Scotland Charity No. SC044442)