Thousands take on 10k in Glasgow as Off the Beatson Track turns 10
The event has seen more than 14,000 people cover nearly 87,000 miles to raise vital funds for patients and their families going through cancer
There is a celebration in Glasgow on Sunday, as Beatson Cancer Charity’s Off the Beatson track event turns 10.
The annual walk has seen over 14,000 participants walk nearly 87,000 miles to raise vital funds for patients and their families going through cancer.
This year more than 2,500 people will take on the 10k route.
It will start at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow on Sunday 27th August at 11am and go past The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre on Great Western Road, via Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and back to the Riverside Museum to finish.
A festival village will be at the finish line for supporters to enjoy food, entertainment and take part in activities.
41-year old Alexandra Ritchie from Glasgow will be taking part with her family after going through treatment at The Beatson when she was younger, and more recently following a breast cancer diagnosis.
Alexandra said: “I’m currently recovering from chemotherapy and a double mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis in November last year.
“My treatment was in The Beatson and as much as it’s not a nice place to have to go, the staff were lovely. Very helpful, informative and caring.”
Alexandra is taking part with her 9-year old son Adam, sister Laura and 2 year old nephew, Josh.
She continued: “The Beatson has been a place myself and my family have had to go to since the age of 17.
“I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 17 and 19 years old and due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment for this, I was at a higher risk for breast cancer.
“I want to do something to give back to a place that has cared for me so well over the years - and probably more years to come, although hopefully only for checkups.
“I want to let everyone at The Beatson know what a fantastic job they do and that their work definitely makes a difference.
“I’ve been overwhelmed with the response to my fundraising from family and friends and even complete strangers. It’s very much appreciated and it won’t be the last I do to fundraise for The Beatson.”
Jo Ford from Prestwick, Ayrshire is taking part with 26 others from their street in memory of their neighbour, 39-year old Glen Lawlor, who passed away last month.
Glen's 8 and 12-year-old daughters, Kate and Lola, and his wife, Avril, will be taking part too.
Jo said: “Glen battled cancer for eight years. He was first diagnosed when Avril was 25 weeks pregnant with Kate.
“He was the bravest man we have ever met. All through his illness he never let it get in his way.
“He worked as a policeman, he coached girls football and was at all Kate’s cheerleading competitions."
Glen was diagnosed with melanoma when Avril was pregnant with Kate. The cancer had remained stable for years until it returned to his stomach during summer last year.
Jo continued: “The Beatson was a huge part of their family’s life treating Glen for eight years and we just want to try and say thank you and raise money to help other families.
“Glen rang that bell once and unfortunately the cancer came back.
“We want to help someone else get the chance to ring it. He didn’t lose his battle - he was a warrior.”
Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We’re so excited to be celebrating Off the Beatson Track’s 10-year milestone.
“It’s our flagship event and every year we’re overwhelmed by the support we receive, but this year will be our biggest and best event yet with over 2,500 participants and lots of fun and entertainment for all the family on the day.
“Every single walker is helping us support more cancer patients and their families in the west of Scotland over the years to come, so we’re very grateful to everyone who signs up to take part.”