Let’s turn village yellow for Eilidh
Familytopullonvirtualtrainersand takepartinoffthebeatsontrackevent
A Bothwell family have given their full backing to a cancer charity’s change of plans for a much-loved fundraiser.
The Beatson Cancer Charity is going virtual with their seventh annual Off the Beatson Track event this August.
After careful deliberation, the charity has decided to host the mass participation event online and change to a virtual challenge to prioritise everyone’s health and safety.
And the Mchugh family – #Teameilidh from Bothwell – want to help turn villages and towns yellow on the weekend of August 22 and 23.
They are very much looking forward to taking part after facing a difficult cancer bereavement in recent years.
Eilidh Mchugh’s life was cut tragically short, three years ago and the family (father Mick, mother Elaine and sister Kerry) have been focusing on fundraising to try to come to terms with the loss of their beloved daughter and sister.
Eldest sister Kerry explained: “Team Eilidh are taking part in this year’s Off the Beatson Track. We’re doing this in memory of my younger sister, Eilidh Mchugh, who we lost very suddenly to a rare and aggressive form of cancer in March 2017 at age 22.
“We saw first-hand the amazing work of Beatson Cancer Charity during Eilidh’s short stay in the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer hospital and Eilidh was so grateful for the abundance of services available to her.
“We want to continue supporting this amazing charity by raising as much as possible during these very strange times we all find ourselves in.
“It is important we support this walk to continue my sister’s legacy – Eilidh’s light continues to shine. Please support and walk with us.”
Given the current circumstances surrounding Covid-19, the charity was keen to find a way to keep the muchloved experience in the calendar and continue raising funds for cancer research and its services.
The flagship event, a 10k (6.5 miles) challenge, is suitable for all ages and mobility and is guaranteed a great ‘feelgood’ day out.
This year should be no different, with Beatson Cancer Charity hoping that supporters will continue their celebration with Off the Beatson Track.
It now means many can explore their local area from their doorstep instead of taking part in the usual city loop.
Adult entry fees (with kids going free) will allow participants to gain exclusive access to pre-recorded entertainment, playlists and celebrity commentary via the new Off the Beatson Track podcast.
The Mchugh family have made a significant impact with Beatson Cancer Charity.
Their tireless fundraising has helped fund and create Beatson Charity’s new website to give those affected by cancer the support, advice and relevant information to feel better, stronger and more informed. Maisie Mccormick, community fundraising manager, recognises the importance of this event to the charity, adding: “The last six years has seen over 11,000 participants walk over 70,000 miles – making it West of Scotland’s biggest, best and most yellow sponsored walk.
“Each year, one in two people in the West of Scotland are affected with cancer. Proceeds from this event will be dedicated to extension of support services and continued investment in vital research at Beatson Cancer hospital.
“This is our biggest event of the year and we’re disappointed not to be able to hold it in the normal format, but I very much hope this virtual experience will be just as much fun and encourage even more supporters to sign up.”
Sign up friends, family (including pet dogs) and colleagues for the Off the Beatson Track 2020 at www. beatsoncancercharity.org/otbt. Everyone will receive a t-shirt and specially-designed medal.
It’s important we support this walk and continue my sister’s legacy – her light continues to shine