Barrhead family take on Beatson 10k for what should have been dad’s 90th birthday

Carly MacGregor Grant is gearing up for the annual Off the Beatson Track 10k walking event which will take place on Sunday 28th August.

The 50-year-old will be joined by her husband Iain Grant, 51, along with her sister Fiona Christie and her husband David Christie in memory of her dad.

Carly and family set to take on 10k

Carly said: “Our dad died of cancer 32 years ago and when we realised Off the Beatson Track was going to be on the eve of what would have been his 90th birthday this year, we thought it would be a fitting way to celebrate this special anniversary and raise some money for a great cause in his memory.

“As well as the many amazing wellbeing services Beatson Cancer Charity provide to patients, they also fund specialist staff and support cutting-edge cancer research and education, which Dad would have loved.”

The event usually attracts around 2,000 supporters each year with cancer patients and families stepping up to help the charity.

It 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 team at Gartnavel Hospital’s Capital Planning department are also taking part. Jacqueline Steele and her friends from Hamilton and Glasgow will be taking on the 10k challenge.

Jacqueline and her Gartnavel hospital team

Jacqueline said: “My dad lost his battle with cancer in 2018 and every year, in his memory, I try to raise funds for a cancer charity.

“Sadly, since his passing I have also lost an aunt, my friend has lost both her parents, another her dad, recently a dear friend, who fought cancer for over 15 years, lost her battle too and since signing up we have received the heartbreaking news that a loved one has had their diagnosis confirmed.

“Each and every one of the people mentioned have been to Beatson Cancer Charity or The Beatson for support, treatment, or care during their cancer journey. “I attended the Beatson many times with my Dad during his treatment.

"He was very appreciative of the service both the charity and centre provided during his time there.”

John Doogan and family

John Doogan from Milton of Campsie will also be taking part in the event with his family.

The 42-year-old watched his father battle cancer and is now determined to help other families face what his own did.

John said: “It devastated me to find out in early 2017 that my dad was diagnosed with bladder, throat, and bowel cancer.

"Our lives and his were about to dramatically change when he became another patient of The Beatson, continuously fighting his own personal battle on a daily basis.

“After sitting in the hospital with my dad, it hit me that even if you are not the one undergoing treatment - you, your friends and your family are all affected by cancer in some way.

"We need to come together to help raise as much money as possible for research, for treatments and to allow all the wonderful teams at The Beatson to continue the fantastic work they do on a daily basis, not only supporting patients but also the family members affected.”

Alison Monroe and family

Alison Monroe and her family were inspired to join the event her husband was diagnosed with cancer 12 years ago.

The 41-year-old, from Kirkintilloch and Lenzie, feels like she owes her beloved Stuart Monroe’s life to the Beatson “saved" him.

The 49-year-old has been a patient for over 12 years and wants to say thank you for their endless support.

Alison said: “This is our 8th year doing Off the Beatson Track. We love doing this walk and helping to raise funds for the Beatson, doing this walk every year - only missing one year due to our Wedding Reception.

“My husband Stuart is a patient of the Beatson and has been for the last 12 years and we have had other family members affected by cancer.

“The Beatson and Beatson Cancer Charity are so important to us as it saved my husband's life back in 2010.

"The charity and hospital played a big part in getting him through the treatment medically & emotionally.

"I am now a volunteer for the Beatson Cancer Charity, although anything I do with them will never be a big enough thank you for what was done for Stuart in 2010.

"Stuart is now in remission and still checked on a yearly basis.”

Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We’re delighted to finally be able to host our first live Off the Beatson Track event since 2019.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who took part in the virtual walks over the last two years, but we can’t wait to see a sea of yellow take to the streets of Glasgow once again.”