A DAUGHTER whose mum is battling a rare terminal cancer is joining families affected by the disease in a bid to raise funds for the Glasgow hospital helping to prolong her life.
Lorraine Shannon is taking part in the Beatson Cancer Charity's 'Off the Beatson Track' on Sunday alongside 16 friends – aged six to 51 - following her mum Jacqueline’s heartbreaking diagnosis.
She will join over 2,000 people taking on the 10K through the city’s west end in aid of the centre’s patients and their families on the tenth anniversary of the event.
Lorraine signed up following her mum Jacqueline’s cancer blow five months ago.
She said: “Our world stopped in March when my mum was told she had stage four primary tonsil cancer.
“We were later given the news that it had spread to her tongue, voice box and lymph nodes. Her cancer is incurable and we were presented with treatment options to prolong life.
“At this stage we were introduced to the Beatson. Walking through the doors there is a day I will never forget, I was so scared for my mum and my family.
“My mum has now completed three rounds of chemotherapy out of six and the Beatson has become a huge part of my family’s life.
“I get to witness the incredible effort, love and care the staff give to not only my mum, but everyone.
“I no longer feel fear visiting, instead I am grateful for the precious days the Beatson has given me with my mum, grateful for the days my dad gets with his wife, grateful for a safe space and grateful for an environment I can make memories with my family."
Lorraine told how she never fully understood how cancer can impact a family until facing it head on.
She added: “I never thought a cup of hot chocolate with my parents would have so much meaning.
“Before my mum’s cancer diagnosis, I was guilty of hearing of families who were faced with a cancer diagnosis and being sympathetic, however you never truly know the effect it has until you are watching someone you love so dearly fighting for their life.
“My mindset has changed and taking part in this walk is my way of saying thank you, raising awareness and giving a little back.”
Glasgow mum Alexandra Ritchie is lining up having relied on the Beatson’s expert care twice in her lifetime.
The 41-year-old went through treatment there as a child and more recently following a breast cancer diagnosis in November that led to a double mastectomy. She is taking part with her nine-year old son Adam, sister Laura and two-year-old nephew Josh.
She said: “It has been a place I have had to go to since the age of 17 when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and now for my treatment for breast cancer.
“I want to do something to give back to a place that has cared for me so well over the years, and all through that time the staff have been so lovely, helpful, informative and caring.
“I want to let everyone at the Beatson know what a fantastic job they do and tell them how their work makes a huge difference.”
This weekend’s walk with be hosted by TV presenters Laura Boyd and David Farrell and is open to all ages.
Fellow participant Annmarie Galligan told the Glasgow Times that the cause is close to her heart, having been treated at the Beatson for triple negative breast cancer last year.
The 54-year-old will line up alongside friend Kate Tennant, 57, who drove the Glasgow woman to hospital during her chemotherapy treatment.
Annmarie said: “I had fantastic care at the Beatson and I’m so grateful for that. I’m now one year cancer-free and hope to remain well, so I want to give something back.”
Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, says the support of everyone means so much to the cause.
She told the Glasgow Times: “We’re so excited to be celebrating Off the Beatson Track’s 10 year milestone.
“It’s our flagship event and every year we’re overwhelmed by the support we receive."
Abby Maxwell, 22, from South Lanarkshire, is walking after ringing the bell at the Beatson last month to signal the end of her treatment, while 31 of Carol Watson’s friends and family are taking part in her memory after tragically losing her to the cruel disease last year, aged just 43.
David Young, Carol’s brother-in-law, said: “It will be very poignant, as we lost our Carol to cancer last October.
“As a family we vowed to continue to support this great charity. This will be the sixth consecutive year and the first since Carol’s passing.
“The family has raised around £10,000 alongside other fundraising."
Carol, from South Lanarkshire, was diagnosed at the age of 38 and passed away in October.
David continued: “Carol was told she had ovarian cancer in 2018 and just a few weeks later I got the family together to participate in this great event.
“The Beatson was a great guiding light to Carol, who always said the staff there gave her so much hope and laughter. Giving back to the charity straight away felt the right thing to do.”
The walk will start at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow before winding its way past the Beatson on Great Western Road and returning to a festival village at the finish line.
Visit www.beatsoncancercharity.org/OTBT to sign up.
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