A KIND-HEARTED football fan is digging deep so patients at a Glasgow hospital can keep enjoying the beautiful game during their cancer treatment.

Mike Carlin will fork out £140 a month indefinitely to cover the cost of the BT Sports subscription package for the Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre. 

He made the generous offer after his dad Harry went through treatment at the Beatson in the grounds of Gartnavel Hospital - and wanted to give something back as a thank you.

Harry developed high grade lymphoma six years ago and went through intensive chemotherapy. He has now been diagnosed with low grade lymphoma, which is being monitored every three months as his body can no longer cope with chemotherapy.

Mike, who is from Motherwell in North Lanarkshire, said: “The Beatson Cancer Charity is very close to my heart because of the support my dad has received, so I’m delighted I’m able to contribute in this way. 

“Being in hospital receiving treatment for cancer can be quite a lonely time and the team there do a fantastic job making it as comfortable as possible. 

“I’ve watched my dad go through a lot, so I want to give back and help other patients and families in similar circumstances. I’m delighted I can contribute in this way and help people enjoy some downtime while they’re in hospital.” 

As well as picking up the fee to allow patients to watch their favourite matches, channels and live events on the box, Mike, who is a director of GM Civil and Structural Consulting Engineers Ltd, also purchased a new 70-inch TV for the centre's cinema room.

Glasgow Times: (L-R): Neil Lennon, Paul Ferguson, Harry Carlin, Mike Carlin, Martin Cawley(L-R): Neil Lennon, Paul Ferguson, Harry Carlin, Mike Carlin, Martin Cawley (Image: Supplied)

One of those who regularly benefits from the facility's help is Paul Ferguson from Coatbridge. 

Paul, 38, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2021 and is currently going through his second round of chemotherapy. 

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He receives treatment every Tuesday and Friday at the hospital in Glasgow and every three weeks he is admitted as an inpatient, which usually falls over a weekend. 

Paul said: “I struggle to put into words how nice it has been to have the Wellbeing Centre to go to. I was in for chemo in 2021 and the centre hadn’t opened back up yet, and looking back I see the difference that having somewhere to go has made to my overall experience this time round.

“It’s just a comfortable, friendly and calm place with the nicest of people looking after you. They have got to know me so well, right down to my favourite biscuits and football team - that personal touch means so much. 

“The fact I now don’t have to miss a game or don’t have to sit in a ward watching a match on a tiny iPad screen is great.  

“My wife Aimee has also felt calmer this time round knowing I can sit in the centre when she’s not with me because she knows what a lovely place it is. She thinks it’s really special - and I do too.” 

Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon came along to the Wellbeing Centre to meet Celtic fan Paul and was given a special tour of the facilities before posing for pictures.

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Morag Cunningham, director of fundraising at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “Mike has been an incredible supporter over the years and we are very grateful to him for his generosity. 

“Our Wellbeing Centre is a sanctuary for patients and their families to go to before or after their treatment and having access to a cinema room where they can watch their favourite sports on a big screen makes their time in hospital a lot more relaxing. 

“We would like to say thank you to Mike for this kind gesture which will benefit many patients now and in the future.”