5257 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025_SCREEN by BeatsonCancerCharity

As we draw 2025 to a close, I find myself reflecting on one word that has defined this year for Beatson Cancer Charity: kindness.

Kindness is at the heart of everything we do, from the compassion shown by our staff and volunteers to the generosity of those who fundraise, donate, or simply share our story. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to the care, comfort, and hope we are able to offer people facing cancer.

This year, I’ve seen countless examples of kindness in action: supporters going the extra mile in their communities, and colleagues working tirelessly to ensure our services make a real difference. Together, these moments remind us that kindness has the power to transform lives.

welcome and general update

As we step into 2026, we will continue to celebrate and build on that kindness - because it is the foundation of our work and the reason we can look to the future with hope.

Thank you for sharing your kindness with us. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful festive season filled with warmth and joy.

Gillian Hailstones CEO

get in touch

switchboard

0141 212 0505, www.beatsoncancercharity.org

fundraising team fundraising@beatsoncancercharity.org

befriending service befriending@beatsoncancercharity.org

shaws

healthandworkservice@beatsoncancercharity.org

wigs

0141 301 7439

the wellbeing centre / virtual support sessions

0141 301 7667 info@beatsoncancercharity.org

group support

Living with Uncertainty and Fear of Recurrence programmes supportservices@beatsoncancercharity.org

volunteering volunteer@beatsoncancercharity.org

bereavement support bereavementsupport@beatsoncancercharity.org

services update

supporting employers to support their people: inside our workshops

At Beatson Cancer Charity, we know that cancer doesn’t just affect the individual, it impacts families, workplaces, and communities. That’s why we work closely with employers to deliver tailored workshops designed to increase awareness, build understanding, and provide practical tools for supporting staff affected by cancer.

Our sessions are shaped around the needs of each organisation, but they usually cover:

• Why work matters – exploring the value of employment and routine during and after treatment.

• The impact of cancer – looking at up-to-date statistics and how cancer affects people in the workplace.

• Awareness of rights – helping employers and staff understand entitlements and protections.

• Workplace support – practical adjustments that can make a real difference.

• Communication skills – using our “5Cs” approach: centre, care, courage, curiosity, and collaboration.

• Wellbeing in the workplace – highlighting resources and signposting further support.

One of the most powerful parts of our workshops comes from lived experience. Recently, we collaborated with Kimberley Tennant, who shared her own cancer journey and the crucial role her employer played in helping her return to work. Kimberley’s honesty and openness encouraged participants to reflect on the impact of language and kindness in everyday interactions.

She shared, “Kindness is a strength. It’s about seeing beyond what’s happened, seeing beyond the hair loss, seeing beyond the scar on my head.”

Her experience highlighted how small actions from managers and colleagues, like keeping in touch, creating space for honest conversations, and recognising individual needs, can make a huge difference. As Kimberley put it:

“ Sometimes it just needs someone to open the door and invite you in, to get that conversation flowing.”

Through partnerships like our recent collaboration with Share, we’ve been able to extend this work to reach multiple organisations at once, including several housing associations. It’s encouraging to see more employers taking proactive steps to ensure their workplaces are supportive, compassionate, and inclusive.

The message at the heart of these workshops is simple but powerful: kindness and understanding in the workplace go a long way. By equipping employers with knowledge and practical tools, we’re helping to create environments where people affected by cancer can thrive, not just survive.

beatson talks Series 5

Host Laura Boyd brings you powerful and insightful conversations that delve into the heart of the Beatson Cancer Charity community.

hairdressing service expansion

In September we expanded our hairdressing and wig fitting services to two additional locations. We are now able to support inpatients at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley and the Glasgow Royal Infirmary on alternate Wednesday's, offering advice, haircuts, styling and scarf tying.

In addition, we now provide a Saturday hairdressing service for inpatients at The Beatson, which means our service now operates 6 days per week.

beatson’s next chapter is a new programme for young people

Beatson Cancer Charity’s Next Chapter is a new programme encouraging pupils across Scotland to get involved in fundraising, awareness, and community action. St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School in Glasgow is among the first to join, with students already planning creative yellow-themed events.

Head teacher Claire McInally said the initiative “gives young people an opportunity to grow, contribute, and live our values in a practical way.” Pupil Kieran Donnelly, whose mum died from cancer, added, “It felt important to do something that could make a difference and support other families.”

Beatson’s Next Chapter helps young people develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while supporting vital cancer care and inspiring their communities.

our 2025 / 26 ambassadog!

Meet Baxter, our new Ambassadog! Chosen by public vote, Baxter will represent the charity at major events and raise awareness alongside his owners, Ross and Natalie. Ross, a former patient, says Baxter’s companionship was a lifeline during his treatment.

calman centre

On 2nd September we were delighted to extend our support to patients and families by offering complementary therapies from the Calman Centre. This beautiful space is open Monday to Friday to provide support and comfort for patients and families who are referred to this service.

Thank you to Strachan & Kemp and some of their suppliers who have generously funded the development and refurbishment of this patient area.

Dedicate a bauble and help us support cancer patients and their families.

Text BAUBLE to 70580 to donate £10

santa dash

sunday 7th december 10am

Route starting and finishing in Glasgow Green.

Entry cost: £18 (adult) and £6 (children 5-16)

Sleigh bells are jinglin’ - the Santa Dash is coming back to town!

Join us for this unmissable festive event, which will see thousands of Santa’s dashing through a 5K route via Glasgow Green & the gorbals.

scan here to

Proudly sponsored by GAP Group

If you already have a Santa t-shirt or costume, we encourage you to reuse it or even get creative and make your own. Not only will you be reducing waste, but you'll also have a chance to be picked as best dressed on the day!

beatson cancer charity

christmas celebration

sunday 14th december |

3pm – 5pm

glasgow cathedral

Please join us at our Beatson Christmas Celebration on Sunday 14th December at the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral with Reverend Mark Johnstone as we bring you the true spirit of the season, to Celebrate, to Remember, to give Thanks and to have Hope.

Proudly sponsored by Park Lane and hosted by Alison Walker, the afternoon will be filled with festive entertainment.

Readings from special guests will give us the chance to reflect with Charity’s Bauble Appeal, by writing your dedication on a bauble which you can hang on the Cathedral's Christmas tree.

Available to stream for those who cannot attend in person.

Visit our website to reserve your free place: beatsoncancercharity.org

research & grants

powering progress in cancer research

With a £30,000 contribution grant from Beatson Cancer Charity, the Glasgow Tissue Research Facility has added two additional tissue microarray machines. These machines allow researchers to study hundreds of tiny tumour samples on a single slide, speeding up analysis and discovery. This upgrade will help identify better diagnostic tools and treatments, improve survival rates, and reduce NHS costs. It also boosts research capacity and ensures the facility can meet growing demand.

from auction to action, how your donations helped cancer patients

Thanks to generous supporters of the auction at the Beatson Ball, £40,000 was raised to sponsor 10 VeinSight devices and mobile stands have been supplied to chemotherapy units within the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and Beatson satellite sites. These devices project a real-time map of veins, enabling healthcare staff to find suitable veins quickly and safely insert cannulas for patients receiving intravenous cancer treatments. By reducing failed cannulation attempts, VeinSight improves patient comfort and saves valuable time.

Learn more about our grants, via our Impact Report found here:

at Christmas Christmas card

Size (approx): 15x15cm (10 per pack)

£4.25 / pack

Cow Christmas card

Size (approx) : 15x15cm (10 per pack)

£4.25 / pack

Robin Christmas card

Size (approx): 15x15cm (10 per pack)

£4.25 / pack

Finished with oak veneered wood with a silver ribbon

£5.95

Dog Christmas card

Size (approx): 15x15cm (10 per pack)

£4.25 / pack

Finished with oak veneered wood with a silver ribbon

£5.95

Ceilidh

Snowing

Scottie

Highland

Snowflake bauble

Merry Christmas bauble

Explore our selection of high-quality Christmas buys, including luxurious home goods, premium accessories, and unique gifts. Spread joy this festive season by shopping the Beatson Cancer Charity Christmas range.

Bow tie teddy Cloudy McCuddles

Stylish plush toy with Beatson Cancer Charity tartan bow tie

£30.00

Willow Tree angel of healing figurine

Cast stone figure by artist Susan Lordi

£24.95

Bow tie teddy Teddy McBearsdley

Stylish plush toy with Beatson Cancer Charity tartan bow tie

£30.00

Willow Tree guardian angel figurine

Cast stone figure by artist Susan Lordi

£24.95

scan here to shop

Queen bee stemless glass

Lolita glass with gift box

£14.95

The 7 chakras box of positivity

Gift box with 7 candles each containing crystals 49.95

event highlights

step by step:

thermo fisher’s challenge

For the second year running, Thermo Fisher colleagues have gone the extra mile, quite literally, to support Beatson Cancer Charity. On 23rd May, 42 staff took on a 23km walk from Lanarkshire Beatson to our centre, while throughout May, 78 team members collectively walked, ran and cycled over 8,000km, symbolising the 8,000 new patients we support each year. Their incredible efforts raised £9,597.35!

kicking goals for beatson cancer charity

Head of Sales, Courtney Flynn and her amazing team have supported Beatson Cancer Charity for years. Recently, The Clubhouse in Princes Square hosted a charity football tournament led by John Orr, raising over £1,000, with special guests Si Ferry and Sanjeev Kohli.

The celebrations continued with a summer party at BAaD, and a dinner at Glaschu organised by Business Ambassador, Douglas McRea (one of The Superlative Collection), which raised over £8,000.

soapyfest raises over £18,000

On 31 August, the Barrowland Ballroom came alive with music, laughter, and community spirit as Soapyfest came to the stage in memory of John “Soapy” Soutar. Family, friends, and supporters gathered to celebrate his life with an incredible line-up of performers and a night to remember. The event raised more than £18,000, which was shared between Beatson Cancer Charity and Marie Curie, helping both organisations continue their vital work supporting patients and families.

team beatson

Many patients and their loved ones already face loneliness and isolation due to health challenges, and this can feel even harder at Christmas, when there’s an expectation to spend time with family and friends. Sadly, for some of the people we support, this isn’t always possible because of health issues, mobility challenges or a lack of close family.

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, especially during the winter months. Both our befrienders and the people they call value these weekly chats, which can make a real difference.

If you or someone you know would benefit from this service, please get in touch by phone or email. We’ll quickly match you with a befriender so those important conversations can begin. This support can be invaluable, helping more people feel connected and cared for during the festive season.

café news

A little spice, a lot of kindness - bake and share the warmth this winter.

ingredients (Serves 16)

• 350g/12oz plain flour, plus extra for rolling out

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 2 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 125g/4½oz butter

• 175g/6oz light soft brown sugar

• 1 free-range egg

• 4 tbsp golden syrup

To decorate

• Water icing

method

STEP 1

Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon and pour into the bowl of a food processor. Add the butter and blend until the mix looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar. (You can rub the butter in by hand, if you don't have a food processor.)

STEP 2

Lightly beat the egg and golden syrup together, add to the food processor and pulse until the mixture clumps together.

STEP 3

Tip the dough out, knead briefly until smooth, wrap in cling film and leave to chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.

STEP 4

Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4. Line two baking trays with baking paper.

STEP 5

Roll the dough out to a 0.5cm/¼in thickness on a lightly floured surface. Using cutters, cut out the gingerbread men shapes and place on the baking tray, leaving a gap between them.

STEP 6

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden-brown. Leave on the tray for 10 minutes and then move to a wire rack to finish cooling.

STEP 7

When cooled, decorate with the water icing and cake decorations, if using.

Why not enjoy your biscuits with one of our winter warmers you can purchase from our Café? (Found on Floor 0, Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre)

Gifts in wills are more important than ever. Your legacy could bring hope to thousands affected by cancer.

Leaving a gift in your Will to Beatson Cancer Charity is an immensely valuable and meaningful way to ensure future generations will benefit from the very best cancer care and treatment possible. To find out more, call us on 0141 212 0505 or visit beatsoncancercharity.org/legacy request a free will guide set up a tribute fund

wellbeing support

finding calm through sound

Sound baths offer an immersive, therapeutic experience using Himalayan singing bowls and chimes to encourage deep relaxation for patients. This gentle practice can provide a range of wellbeing benefits:

• Stress and anxiety reduction – calming sound frequencies help settle the nervous system, lowering cortisol and heart rate.

• Improved sleep – many people report more restful sleep following sound healing.

• Pain management support – rhythmic vibrations can redirect focus from discomfort and encourage endorphin release.

• Emotional support – the soothing environment can make it easier to process fear, grief, or trauma.

• Breath awareness and mindfulness –sound helps quiet busy thoughts, building emotional resilience.

• Gentle energy support – vibrations are often described as “soothing from the inside out,” helping restore harmony.

We are delighted that Elaine, one of our experienced wellbeing therapists, will be offering sound baths here at Beatson.

“ My name is Elaine, and I work within the wellbeing team as the Education and Training Therapist. I have worked for Beatson Cancer Charity for 10 years and I love my job. I specialise in therapies such as massage, reflexology, reiki, Indian head massage, sound baths and relaxation techniques. I also present a stress management course every two months alongside my colleague Zoe to NHS and Beatson Cancer Charity staff.”