Beatson Talks

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 Baines, who lost both his mum and sister to cancer within a short time. They are joined by Jemma Byrne, our Bereavement Service Psychologist 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 grief and the impact of bereavement from 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.