CANCER affects everyone - not only patients... that's the message being shared by a kind-hearted supporter of The Beatson Cancer Charity.

John Doogan is calling for as many people as possible to sign up for this year’s Off The Beatson Track to raise vital funds for patients and families facing cancer, like his dad, John.

John, his fiancée Zöe, their two daughters Skye and Daisy and their aunty Lynsey, will be joining hundreds of others taking part in the 10k walk around Glasgow’s West End on Sunday, August 25 in support of the charity.

John said: “Like many people, I had heard of The Beatson and knew of friends’ and colleagues’ mums, dads, brothers and sisters who have been diagnosed with cancer and attended the hospital for life-saving treatment.

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“But I had never given it much more thought until now.”

In 2017, John’s dad was diagnosed with bladder, throat and bowel cancer and began treatment at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

He underwent an intensive course of radiotherapy, which took him months to recover from.

His treatment has since finished, but he still has regular check-ups and a throat-widening procedure every few months, as he struggles to consume food since his radiotherapy treatment.

John added: “Our lives and his dramatically changed when my dad became a patient.

"Sitting in the hospital with him, it hit me that even if you are not the one undergoing treatment, you, your family and friends are all still affected by cancer.

"And that’s where Beatson Cancer Charity made the difference for us.”

This year also marks 10 years since Zöe’s and Lynsey’s dad Allan passed away from pancreatic cancer.

John said: “Allan was also treated at The Beatson and we’ll be doing this year’s Off The Beatson Track in loving memory of him.

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“This is why I’m encouraging everyone to get involved with this year’s walk and help raise as much money as possible.

"Beatson Cancer Charity and The Beatson carry out vital, incredible work on a daily basis to support so many patients and families – but they need our support.

"Join us this August, or even sponsor someone who is taking part.

"By showing some support, big or small, you are helping Beatson Cancer Charity support thousands of new patients and families facing cancer every year."

Off The Beatson Track is a 10k walk along fully-accessible paths, starting and finishing at Glasgow’s Riverside Museum, taking in some of the West End’s sights along the route.

This is the charity’s sixth Off The Beatson Track event and it’s hoping to make it the biggest and best yet.

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Calum McNair, Beatson Cancer Charity’s Schools & Community Engagement Fundraiser, said: “During the past five years over 9000 people have joined forces and walked over 58,000 miles for Beatson Cancer Charity. That’s over 120 million steps towards making a real difference for patients and families.

“Off The Beatson Track is a fantastic event and a very impressive sight – with supporters donning their familiar Beatson yellow t shirts and creating a sea of yellow throughout the West End.

“Join John, Zöe, Skye, Daisy and Lynsey and help us make this year the biggest yet.”

See www.beatsoncancercharity.org/content/off-the-beatson-track or call 0141 212 0505