Santa Dash raises £30,000 for Beatson Cancer Charity

The virtual 5k event took place between December 11 to 18, with people taking part across the country and many dressing up in Santa costumes. 

Mairi McWilliams from Glasgow joined the event and raised £615 for the charity.

She said: "I participated this year in the 5k Santa Dash raising money for Beatson Cancer Charity after my friend received stereotactic radiotherapy to the second of her cancerous brain tumours back in 2016 in 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.

"Now she remains in remission, that's also thanks and gratitude to all the scientists involved in research. 

"Doing things like this which mean so much to me and others for others is what gives me a genuine buzz. 

"I look forward to many more opportunities ahead to make positive changes in a world where it can perhaps seem like darkness overshadows the lights at times - especially in Scotland. 

"Nevertheless, there will always be a glimmer of light and hope no matter how dark it gets."

READ MORE: Glasgow woman takes on walking challenge after mum's brain tumour battle

More than 14,000 patients have received therapies at the Wellbeing Centre Beatson Cancer Charity, which works closely with clinicians and researchers at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research to help to deliver life-saving research.  

An internationally renowned cancer centre, The Beatson delivers all the radiotherapy and much of the chemotherapy to the population of the West of Scotland, with a catchment area of around 2.5million people. 

Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: "We are over the moon the Santa Dash event managed to raise £30,000 for our charity. 

"This is incredible and will do so much to help us to support cancer patients and their families. 

"It was brilliant to see pictures and videos of big groups out in their Santa hats taking to the streets – and because it was virtual it meant they could pick their own route too which gave them lots of flexibility. 

"Thank you to each and every person who took part – it helps us make a difference to the lives of so many."

READ MORE: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde sees 40% drops in hospital beds for children

Martin Cawley, CEO of Beatson Cancer Charity, added: "We are overwhelmed by the support we’ve received over the last year, through a very difficult time for everyone. 

"I thoroughly enjoyed seeing pictures of those taking part in the Santa Dash – it looked like everyone had lots of fun while raising money for our charity. 

"Hopefully it won’t be long before the event can involve us all taking part together – I look forward to seeing lots of Santas dashing through the streets once again."

You can find out more about Beatson Cancer Charity HERE.