Clydebank woman praises 'exceptional' Beatson staff after mum's death

Kathy Tweed was diagnosed with stage four high-grade endometrial cancer and sadly died on February 12 this year.

She had been attending The Beatson since July 2022.

Kathy (Image: Supplied)Kathy’s daughter Laura McWilliam and grandson Luc Davies, 11, will be taking part in the Kiltwalk this weekend in aid of the Beatson Cancer Charity in honour of their beloved mum and gran.

Laura, 44, from Hardgate, said: “Every doctor, nurse, physio, radiographer, auxiliary and porter were so kind and made my mum's various visits and stays much easier to deal with.

“The staff in the Beatson Café acknowledged me too and recognised that I'd been there a lot and spent time asking me how I was, which at the time, felt unusual - as most of the time people asked about my mum. I really appreciated that moment.

“My mum spent the last two weeks of her life in Ward B2 and in the last couple of days before she died the nurses showed so much care and compassion to not only my mum, but to my dad and I too.

“Her last hours were so peaceful and as a family, we will be forever grateful to the nurses on the ward that night/morning.”

Laura and her mum (Image: Supplied)Kathy was also fitted with her wig in Beatson’s Wellbeing Centre and received various relaxing treatments such as reflexology.

Laura added: “Beatson Cancer Charity will be forever in our hearts and at the forefront of any fundraising we do because it's such an important place. I'll always remember how terrified I felt walking through those doors with my mum for the first time but then how quickly I felt at ease.

“By its very nature of existence, I wouldn't expect the atmosphere to be as positive and upbeat as it was and is, but there was never far to walk without seeing a cheery smile or hearing someone laugh.

"The services provided are exceptional and have been received by many other people I know as well as my mum.”

To donate to Laura's JustGiving page, click here

Laura and Luc will be just two of more than 800 Kiltwalkers expected to fundraise for The Beatson on Sunday, April 28.

Over the years, thousands have taken part in the Kiltwalk for Beatson Cancer Charity, raising over £1.2 million.

This year the oldest Kiltwalker is 95 years old, while the youngest is just five.

And a total of 152 teams are taking part in the walk in aid of the charity this year.

This includes Phil Matthews and his colleagues from his Cardiac Physiology team at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank.

Phil Matthews with Douglas Gordon and Daniel Newman (Image: Beatson)The group, called Golden Hearts, take part every year for a different charity.

To donate to Phil's JustGiving page, click here

This year they’re walking for Beatson Cancer Charity after Phil was diagnosed with Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN) - a rare form of blood cancer in August 2023.

The 38-year-old said: “Due to the genetic mutation and the type of MPN I have, I’m at high risk of blood clots including heart attack, pulmonary embolism and stroke. I have to take blood thinning medication for life and minimise any risk factors.

“Despite all this, if an event does occur or when I hit 60 years old, I will have to start taking low-dose chemotherapy medication to reduce the level of blood cells circulating as I'll be at a much higher risk of thrombotic events.

“I’ve yet to require any treatment at The Beatson at present. However, I understand some of the physical and mental challenges that people who undergo cancer diagnosis and treatment and their family members face.

“I want to do what I can to support Beatson Cancer Charity in providing assistance and services to all those affected by cancer – patient or relative - that come into contact with them as I know it’s very much appreciated.”