Beatson Cancer Charity Podcast: Recent Episodes
Beatson Cancer Charity
At Beatson Cancer Charity we believe that no-one should face cancer on their own. This has always been our aim and we will work hard to continue to support even more people and families in the years to come.
Join host Laura Boyd as she speaks with Sheena Wright, who shares how she’s doing “remarkably well” nearly a year after completing treatment. Sheena opens up about the first signs that led to her diagnosis, the support of her family, and the comfort she found in the warmth and care of The Beatson.
From learning to play the bagpipes in retirement to planning a dream trip to New Zealand, Sheena’s story is full of strength, gratitude and a renewed love for life. She also offers thoughtful advice for anyone beginning treatment, reminding us of the power of connection, hope and positivity.
Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
Join host Laura Boyd as she speaks with Audrey Sykes, who recently took part in Off the Beatson Track to mark five years since her breast cancer diagnosis. Audrey shares her journey from diagnosis during lockdown, through treatment, to the emotional moment of ringing the bell.
She reflects on life after treatment, the support of her family, and how connecting with others has opened doors for sharing stories and reassurance. From tackling hills she’d never climbed before to the unforgettable sense of community at the walk, Audrey’s story is full of resilience, gratitude, and hope.
Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
Join host Laura Boyd as she speaks with Michael Gallacher, a young dad whose stage 3 stomach cancer diagnosis changed his life. Michael opens up about the shock of his diagnosis, the support he found through treatment at The Beatson, and the inspiration he drew from fellow patients.
He also shares how he’s channelled his experience into epic fundraising challenges — from the Highlander Triathlon to a decade of charity adventures raising over £50,000 — all while focusing on family, recovery, and gratitude. Honest and inspiring, this episode shows how resilience can lead to new purpose and hope.
Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
Join host Laura Boyd as she speaks with Chris and Laura Ferri about life after Chris’s bowel cancer diagnosis at just 32. The couple open up about the shock of hearing the news, the challenges of living with a stoma, and the support they received from The Beatson.
They also share how they’ve turned their experiences into fundraising events- from a 24-hour fitness challenge to icy sea plunges - while championing community spirit and men’s mental health. Honest, uplifting, and full of gratitude, this episode is a powerful reminder of resilience and love.
Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised. This may include some strong language.
Join host Laura Boyd as the spotlight shifts and she takes the guest seat in this special episode, with Beatson Cancer Charity CEO Gillian Hailstones stepping in to lead the conversation. Laura speaks openly about being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia at just 29, and the reality of living with cancer for more than 16 years. She also shares the deeply personal story of how her sister-in-law helped her become a mum through surrogacy. This honest and heartfelt conversation touches on resilience, love, and the strength that comes from the people around us.
Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about terminal illness, cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Bryan Marshall - musician, choir leader, and passionate Beatson supporter. Bryan shares his personal journey from community fundraiser to cancer caregiver when his wife Suzanne was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Through music, fundraising, and the power of positivity, Bryan and his family have become pillars of support for the Beatson Cancer Charity.
Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about terminal illness, cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Donna Hicks, who opens up about the life-altering year she and her family faced a double cancer diagnosis. Just two weeks after her mum was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, Donna was told she had multiple myeloma - a rare and incurable blood cancer.
Donna shares the emotional toll of keeping her diagnosis a secret, her treatment at The Beatson, and how support from the Wellbeing Centre helped her through some of the most difficult moments - from wig fittings during lockdown to the comfort of small, thoughtful gestures.
She also reflects on life beyond treatment, the vital role fundraising plays in keeping services at The Beatson going, and the unexpected joy she’s found in community projects, street dance, and making lasting memories with her children.
Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about terminal illness, cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with David Wynne, who shares how three heart attacks and a cancer diagnosis changed the course of his life. What began as a series of life-threatening events became the start of something transformative.
David reflects on his experience as a patient at The Beatson, the emotional toll of treatment, and how volunteering became a part of his recovery. From serving tea on Ward B4, he talks about the unexpected joy he's found in giving back.
Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Erin Lavery and her dad, Daniel, as they reflect on Erin’s powerful story - from her diagnosis in August 2024 to the moment she rang the bell to mark the end of treatment. Erin first featured on Beatson Talks during Season 3 while she was still undergoing treatment. Now cancer free, she returns with her dad to speak openly about resilience, family support, and the importance of community - both online and at The Beatson.
Daniel shares the emotional experience of supporting his daughter through cancer, and how writing helped him navigate long, difficult nights. Together, they discuss humour as a coping tool, the value of the Teenage and Young Adult Unit at The Beatson, and their hopes for the future.
Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
Join host Laura Boyd as she chats with Erin Lavery and Beth Clyde, who both share their personal stories of living with cancer. They reflect on their diagnoses, treatments, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way. Erin and Beth also talk about documenting their experiences on social media, offering support and encouragement to others. Together, they highlight the vital role of Beatson Cancer Charity and share their hopes for the future.
Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about living with cancer. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
Join host Laura Boyd as she chats with Ian Rankin and his daughter Lucindy, who are both living with cancer.
Lucindy shares how she discovered a lump, her diagnosis, and her treatment journey. Ian reflects on his own symptoms, the role his wife played in getting help, and his positive outlook - despite his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis and the loss of his brother to cancer.
Ian also talks about his 2024 garden project - building a 30-foot yacht - which became a community attraction and raised funds for Beatson Cancer Charity. Together, they discuss the challenges their family has faced, the support they’ve received from the charity, and their future plans.
Join host Laura Boyd as she chats with Geoff Clark about his experience with cancer. Geoff opens up about the first signs that something wasn’t right, his diagnosis, and the ups and downs of treatment. He shares how he’s coped with the challenges, the difference staying active has made, and the support he’s had from Beatson Cancer Charity. Geoff also talks about why he decided to volunteer with the charity and what it means to him.
Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about living with cancer. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Paolo Lizzeri, who has faced Hodgkin’s lymphoma three times. Paolo shares his experience of diagnosis and treatment, as well as the mental and emotional challenges along the way. He discusses the power of a positive attitude, the unwavering support of his family and friends, and how he has given back by documenting his journey on YouTube to help others going through similar experiences.
Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about living with cancer. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
Join host Laura Boyd as she talks with Rebecca, a Specialist Health and Work Service (SHAWS) Practitioner at Beatson Cancer Charity, and her client, Lyndsay, about navigating work during and after a cancer diagnosis. Rebecca explains how SHAWS supports people in balancing work with treatment and recovery. Lyndsay shares how this service helped her find confidence and direction after her 2021 diagnosis, offering practical advice and hope for others facing similar challenges.
To enquire about our SHAWS service please call 0141 212 0505 or visit Beatsoncancercharity.org.
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Rhona and Marj, wig specialists at Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre, as they discuss the impact of hair loss and the ways wigs can help restore confidence. Rhona and Marj share tips on selecting the perfect wig and talk about the compassionate support available for those facing hair loss during cancer treatment.
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Susannah Radford, a Senior Pharmacovigilance Clinical Trial Coordinator, about the incredible work happening at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre’s Clinical Trials Unit. Susannah explains how clinical trials offer patients access to new treatments, bringing hope and helping to advance cancer care.
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with John Allison, founder of The K9 Way, about his year-long fundraising journey for Beatson Cancer Charity. John shares updates on the challenges he's taking on, including the Devil O’ Highlands Ultra Marathon and the Edinburgh Marathon, aimed at raising essential funds for the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow.
John discusses his personal motivations and explores fundraising methods, inspiring listeners to get involved. Tune in to learn how every effort makes a difference for families affected by cancer.
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with rising pop star Roisin McCarney, who shares her personal journey from working in a sunbed shop to being diagnosed with skin cancer. After stunning audiences on ITV’s The Voice, Roisin uses her platform to raise awareness about the dangers of sunbeds. In this heartfelt episode, Roisin and Laura, who is living with cancer herself, discuss the realities of cancer and the importance of spreading the word about prevention.
Raising awareness about the danger of sunbeds and just how serious skin cancer is, is so important to me. If my story stops one person from using sunbeds then I will have done my job. Thank you to Beatson Cancer Charity for allowing me to share that." Roisin said.
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Gillian Shirreffs, who lives with MS and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Gillian shares her journey, discussing how she confronted her own mortality and the support she received from Beatson Cancer Charity. She highlights the charity's wig service, telephone befriending service, and the Fear of Recurrence course that helped her through her challenging times. Additionally, Gillian discusses her book, "Brodie," of which all the profits go to Beatson Cancer Charity, further supporting our vital work. *Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about living with cancer. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised. *
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Martin Cawley, former CEO of Beatson Cancer Charity. In this episode, Martin reflects on his career at the charity, the challenges he faced during his five years at the charity, including the Coronavirus pandemic, the highlights of his tenure, and his deep affection for the organisation. He also shares what lies ahead for him in his next chapter.
*Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Lisa Adam, who has been living with cancer for 19 years. Joining her is Beatson Cancer Charity's CEO, Gillian Hailstones, formerly Director of Care Services. Laura shares her personal experience with cancer, and together they discuss the support services Beatson Cancer Charity offers, like Fear of Recurrence and Living with Uncertainty groups.
**Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about living with cancer. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised. ***
*Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Patrick Bains, who lost both his mum and sister to cancer within a short time. They are joined by Jemma Byrne, a Bereavement Service Practitioner from Beatson Cancer Charity. Patrick shares his emotional story, from his mother's diagnosis and passing just weeks later, to his sister's death just months later. They discuss the bereavement support services offered by Beatson Cancer Charity, and how these services help people cope with their grief.
**Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about living with cancer. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised. ***
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Professor Anthony Chalmers, Chair of Clinical Oncology at the University of Glasgow and the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. They discuss cancer research, clinical trials, and the realities of working for The Beatson. Professor Chalmers also shares his hopes for the future of cancer treatment.
Welcome to the Off The Beatson Track 2020 Podcast!
Hosted by David Farrell And Laura Boyd you listen to our exclusive podcast on route, hearing heart-warming stories and fantastic singing.
To help we have put together a small running order to guide you through our content, so why not have breaks throughout your 10K and take some time out to listen to the material created especially for you…
Intro...00:00 - 01:33
Zumba Sisters...01:34 - 08:30 (Watch on YouTube here)
Laura and David countdown and Tam the Piper...08:31 - 11:30
Jessica Allen...11:44 - 15:20
The Laird family story...15:21 - 17:15
Matinee at the Musicals...17:24 - 21:50
Donna Hicks Story... 21:51 - 23:35
Jack Mullen... 23:57 - 28:35
Kerry McHugh story... 28:47 - 30:50
Sophie Davies... 30:54 - 34:38
Alfie King... 34:49 - 38:50
Allan family... 38:51 - 40:50
Final Goodbye... 41:11 - 41:54
SheBoom... 41:55 - 45:42
Beatson Cancer Charity has enhanced its services by offering an expanded befriending service.
We have developed our befriending service to the most vulnerable patients who are self-isolating, experiencing loneliness and shielding due to the pandemic.
Patients are assigned a volunteer befriender each week over the phone.
In part 1, Specialist Health and Work Practitioner Kirsty, caught up with volunteer Alexis who gives her thoughts on volunteering for service and the impact it will make.
How can you contact us?
Visit our befriending service page here
Email: befriending@beatsoncancercharity.org.
Call: 0141 212 0505
If you would like to support these new charity initiatives please make a donation here.