A Glasgow charity is launching a challenge to raise funds for cancer patients across the West of Scotland.

The Beatson Cancer Charity's 8,000 steps a day challenge represent the 8,000 new patients the centre treats each year.

Donna Caldwell, a clinical trials radiographer at The Beatson Centre, said: "I’ve worked in The Beatson for nearly 17 years and have seen first hand the amazing support the charity provides for so many patients and their families.

“Getting involved in a challenge like this allows people to contribute to a cause they care about while doing something that boosts their own health and personal wellbeing. It’s an achievable goal that people can accomplish whilst raising awareness for a charity that supports so many people facing tough challenges every day."

Participants can embark on the month-long challenge at any time, whether walking to work, moving during lunch breaks, or dedicating time for walking each day.

Glasgow Times: The 8,000 step a day challenge runs for 30 days

Challengers will cover around 240,000 steps in total, roughly the distance from Glasgow to Edinburgh and back.

Ms Caldwell said the funding from Beatson Cancer Charity supports the Radiotherapy Research Grant, which which allows her role to continue. This, she said, facilitates the opening of Radiotherapy Clinical trials.

She said this increases the opportunities for patients to participate in these trials.

She added: "To me, the charity represents the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I would encourage anyone considering this challenge to go for it. It's an achievable challenge and allows you to make a difference and raise awareness for a noble cause.

“The experience will be rewarding, both personally and also in supporting the charity. I will be completing the challenge with our family pets, Penny and Mac, on our daily walks.”

Chloe Wilkinson, clinical trials radiographer at The Beatson, will also be completing the trial.

She said: "Beatson Cancer Charity supports cancer patients throughout their journey and also supports radiotherapy research as well as clinical trials to improve patient outcomes.

"I would like to support the charity in return.

"By taking part in a challenge like this and raising money, you are indeed directly contributing to the charity and its great work but by wearing the charity’s t-shirt, using your social media to post the photos you’ve taken while getting your steps in and sharing your success, you are sharing the charity with a wider audience."

While Ms Wilkinson and Ms Caldwell are treating patients and launching clinical trials, they are also stepping up to raise funds for the charity that supports their work.

Ms Wilkinson added: “Whilst we have been in post, the number of radiotherapy clinical trials available to our patients has increased and the number of patients entering those trials has also increased. We want to continue to offer access to radiotherapy clinical trials and the generous funding from Beatson Cancer Charity enables us to do that.”

To sign up for the challenge, head to http://tinyurl.com/37k2w4v6.