Kiltwalk Here we come
Thousands of people will turn the streets of Glasgow and its environs into a sea of tartan this weekend when they join in the sold-out Kiltwalk to help good causes.
Of them, more than 500 Kiltwalkers will be generating funds for Beatson Cancer Charity at the spectacular event on Sunday.
Walkers can take part in either the Mighty Stride (22.7 miles), the Big Stroll (14.4 miles) or the Wee Wander (3 miles). The Mighty Stride goes from Glasgow Green all the way to Balloch, while the Big Stroll starts in Clydebank and the Wee Wander begins at Loch Lomond Shores and ends at Moss O’Balloch Park.
Over the years, a grand total of 3248 people have taken part in the Kiltwalk for Beatson Cancer Charity, raising an incredible £964,922.
This year, the oldest Kiltwalker for the charity is 76 years old, while the youngest is aged just six.
Eighty-seven teams are taking part in aid of the charity this year, alongside 12 corporate teams.
Most participants have one thing in common: The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre has touched their own life or that of someone they love.
Carly Carlin, 45, who is originally from Saltcoats in Ayrshire but has lived in Paisley for the last 16 years, is taking part in the Kiltwalk, following the support she has received as a patient.
Carly was diagnosed in October 2019 with peritoneal mesothelioma – an incurable cancer related to asbestos exposure.
Carly said: “Three and a half years ago as I walked through the doors of The Beatson, I embarked on a journey that for me will now last a lifetime. It will without doubt have many uphill battles, stormy seas and what may feel like dead ends.
“When first presented, the journey looked incredibly dark, daunting and being honest, short, as the initial prognosis wasn’t particularly favourable. With sheer determination I find myself here and thankfully on a nice, flat scenic route for now.
“It is all thanks to The Beatson that I am where I am today – the access to highly skilled and knowledgeable oncologists, access to treatments specific to my particular cancer and the support from everyone from the minute you step through those doors.
“Beatson Cancer Charity for me is a local charity like no other. It is a vital source of funding for patients and their families, providing essential wellbeing services for those in the West of Scotland at an extremely vulnerable time in our life. More importantly for me, they fund specialist posts, research projects and fund much needed lifesaving equipment.
“My feet have been my guide and kept me going forward throughout this journey. There is no time like the present to put them to good use and walk an extra 23 miles while the going is good.
“Here I am now a lifetime patient
of the Beatson. To some, that will feel like a negative aspect of life, but not me. I always find the positive out of every situation, even if I sometimes have to dig a little deeper to find it.”
Also raising cash for The Beatson is Paisley’s Fiona Farrell.
Fiona, 29, said: “So many people are directly affected by cancer and it takes a tremendous toll on families. Beatson Cancer Charity is one which goes above and beyond to support not only patients but the families involved. From answering any questions, providing support and being there for people, the amazing work of those at the Beatson should be celebrated.”
Fanica Ciobotaru, who lives in Glasgow and works for Clydebank Housing Association, is currently being treated for cancer at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
The 55-year-old, who was born in Romania but settled in Glasgow in 2015, has in the last 10
years been diagnosed with four different types of cancer: breast cancer in 2013, endometrial cancer in 2016, then in 2022 colon cancer and one month later, liver metastases.
“I’m an energetic person, I think positively and nothing scares me anymore, said Fanica.
“I had an operation for colon cancer in Glasgow at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and now I am a patient at The Beatson hospital where I am undergoing immunotherapy under the careful supervision of Dr Janet Graham, whom I would like to thank in this way.”
Jay McKellar, of Clydebank, is taking part in the Kiltwalk along with her husband, Graham, and son, Gary Voy, in loving memory of her parents who received treatment at The Beatson.
Janet McIntyre passed away in April 2010 and Joseph McLean McIntyre sadly died in May 2017.
Now in their sixth year as fundraisers, the family try to take part in an event between April 19 and May 23 – the anniversaries of the dates on which they lost Janet and Joseph to incurable, inoperable lung cancer.
Jay, 50, explained: “The Beatson hospital and Beatson Cancer Charity offer so much to their patients, over and above their treatments, and we feel that it’s a cause that needs ongoing support.”
Kerryn Steel, 31, who is from Shotts and now lives in Bellshill, is taking part in the Kiltwalk, after being diagnosed with stage one, grade three ductal breast cancer in October last year.
Kerryn had surgery to remove the tumour and four lymph nodes in November, and then had to undergo 10 days of preventative radiotherapy.
Kerryn said: “I was anxious about the radiotherapy, given that I was still in pain from surgery and didn’t really know what to expect. The staff at the Lanarkshire Beatson couldn’t have been more amazing in the way they prepared me for treatment, cared for me during treatment and how to cope after.
“They also made me feel normal during a time where I felt anything but.
“I’ll never be able to thank those involved in all aspects of my treatment enough. So I’m showing my appreciation by raising as much money as possible so that other patients and families can receive care as amazing as I did.”
Lindsay and Gavin Postlethwaite from Newton Mearns are taking part in the fundraiser, a decade on from when he was treated for cancer.
Lindsay, 28, said: “This is the 10-year anniversary of Gavin’s chemotherapy, so we thought there was no better way to celebrate his 30th birthday than by raising money and awareness to say thank you so much to all the nurses, doctors and other staff.
“We have had other family members and close friends who have been helped by The Beatson so this is also in memory of my amazing gran who we all miss so much.”
A 45-strong team of employees from the Princess Royal Maternity Unit in Glasgow are also taking part in the walk. Doctors, midwives and healthcare workers will be walking the 22.7 miles in recognition of the care some colleagues and family members have received through The Beatson.
Niall Gibson, community and challenges fundraiser at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are delighted to share that this year’s Glasgow Kiltwalk will see our highest ever number of participants, with over 500 of our dedicated supporters taking on this incredible challenge as part of Team Beatson. A huge thank you to everyone who is taking part in the event for our charity – it allows us to support patients and their families during their cancer journey.”