Glasgow Santa Dash participants set to run in support of cancer patients

The Virtual Santa Dash will run between December 11-18, with participants showing their support to cancer patients by running, jogging, walking or hopping on their sleigh for 5 kilometres.

Among this year's entrants, Ashley Haggarty, from Paisley, is joining the Santa Dash following her mum's treatment at the Beatson. 

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Ashley said: “I wanted to join the Santa Dash to raise money for the Beatson as it has a big part in my life. 

"My mum was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016 and has received chemotherapy treatment. 

“Since then, they have researched immunotherapy and my mum now receives this to this day and it’s containing her cancer.” 

Louise Burns, from Glasgow, is doing the Santa Dash during the Park Run on Saturday, December 11, in support of two family members affected by the disease.

Louise Burns will take part in support of her mum and sister

Louise said: “My mum and sister were both diagnosed with cancer this year and I’m running for them. Without the Beatson I don’t know where we would be.

“The support from the Beatson has been invaluable, not just the medical support but the emotional support as well.” 

Mairi McWilliams from Glasgow is taking part with her friend who is a cancer survivor from Stornoway.

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Mairi said: “My dear friend received Stereotactic radiotherapy to the second of her cancerous brain tumours on May 31st 2016 at the renowned Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. 

“Thanks to the expertise, knowledge and skills of the highly trained Dr Allan James who, along with his team of clinicians and other oncologists, decided that this form of radiotherapy was most suited to the type of brain tumour she had.

Mairi McWilliams is running with her friends who has been in remission for years

“She still remains in remission and that's also thanks and gratitude to all the scientists involved in research.

"As we are all aware or should be by now, research needs money. Everyone’s lives will be touched by cancer at some point.” 

Kirsty Kelly, from Clydebank, is also taking part in the event with the rest of her family, after her father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer six years ago. 

Kirsty Kelly and her family are taking part in the Santa Dash

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Kirsty said: “The Glasgow Santa Dash has been an important part of my family's Christmas tradition for over 10 years.

“I love the atmosphere running through the streets of Glasgow with thousands of Santas.

“Although last year was not the same, it was still great to have a little bit of normality and run our 5k around the streets of Clydebank (still dressed as Santa) and we're looking forward to doing it all again this year.

“It's also great to be able to raise funds for the Beatson which has been a great support to a number of our family and friends, particularly my father-in-law over more recent years.” 

Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “This year is our second virtual event. We have decided in line with Glasgow City Council and the current restrictions that we’ll keep everybody safe again this year and we’ll do a virtual event. 

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“Events like this are hugely important to us as a charity, the impact of Covid over the past year and a half has been huge for all charities – we’ve had to cancel a lot of events and activities. 

“This is a great way for us to be able to raise some money to continue to help patients and families who are living with cancer throughout Christmas and beyond.” 

More information about the event can be found on the Beatson website.