Charity smashes target to help Beatson's vital cancer support

The Beatson Cancer Charity smashed the original £5.5 million target and the cash will pay for services and projects to support cancer patients and their families.

This includes the unique Specialist Health and Work Service, which helps patients continue to work during treatment and return to work post-treatment.

Fully funded by the charity in partnership with the NHS, it will receive £500,000.

Some of the other highlights include £3.5 million for positions including 10 clinical nurse specialists, a haematology nurse practitioner, a consultant radiographer and a research and development radiographer.

The cash will also help enhance The Lanarkshire Beatson, a weekend blood transfusion clinic and 20 electric beds.

Research projects will get £2 million and a further £150,000 is committed to NHS staff education and training.

£3.5 million will provide a range of patient and family support services including wellbeing and befriending, complementary therapies, hairdressing and wig service, podiatry and stress and anxiety management.

These services are delivered mainly through the charity’s award-winning Wellbeing Centre and the intention is to expand this to all related facilities.

David Welch, Chief Executive of Beatson Cancer Charity said: “We are continually inspired by the courage and generosity of cancer patients and their families and we are overwhelmed by the public and staff response to the charity.

“We have had an incredible two years and would like to thank everyone who has been part of our amazing journey, helping to make a difference to the lives of so many people affected by cancer.”

But, with 14,467 new cases of cancer registered in the west of Scotland every year, he added: “There’s still a long way to go in the fight against cancer. We hope everyone will continue to show their support by fundraising, volunteering and donating.”