Latest news with #BeatsonCancerCentre
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Greenock man pays tribute to 'inspirational' wife after her rare cancer diagnosis
A GREENOCK husband has paid an emotional tribute to the bravery of his wife after she received a shock cancer diagnosis last year. Ross Ballantyne's wife Gaynor was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma, a cancer which affects the lymphatic system, in November after the 43-year-old mum-of-two noticed a growth on her nose. She received 25 days of radiotherapy and a further five days of intensive chemotherapy at the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow – and last month was told she was in remission. Ross told the Tele that Gaynor's bravery and determination to beat the disease was 'inspirational' to see. He told the Tele: 'When we were told the news of Gaynor's cancer and first went into the Beatson we knew that it would be the best place for her. READ MORE: Greenock care home team joins in 7,000-mile walk to raise £7,000 for charity Fabulous Port Glasgow fun day raises spirits and brings in £1,300 for church Inverclyde taxi driver shares dream of using his artistic talent to help others Scottish football legends Frank McAvennie and John Brown to attend charity night Greenock church team says clothes bank is ready to help local families in need 'It was quite hard for me to get my head around what she was going through and how I could help her, but seeing what the Beatson could do made it easier to get through. 'There were so many people there with cancer relying on [the Beatson's] help. All the nurses and doctors gave as much as they could. 'I know not everybody leaves the Beatson with the best outcome, but you know that every single person is doing their best for each patient.' The pair were full of praise for the Beatson's wellbeing centre, which is run by volunteers and offers patients a range of services from spa treatments to wig fitting. Speaking of the care she received, Gaynor said: "I am incredibly thankful to all of the staff, the doctors, nurses and volunteers - they all do an incredible job. David Ellis (left) and Ross Ballantyne (right) at Whinhill golf course (Image: George Munro) "The staff make you feel so well looked after and safe." To repay the charity, Ross, a keen golfer, and his pal David Ellis set out to play 72 holes in a single day at Whinhill Golf Club – and thanks to the generosity of family members and friends, have more than doubled their fund-raising target of £1,000. To donate to the Beatson fundraiser visit Ross's GoFundMe page at Ross said: 'Getting the news [of Gaynor's remission] a few weeks ago was just brilliant. 'It was seven months of really, really hard going for her and now it is just all about getting her strength backup and recovering. OTHER NEWS: Gourock gift shop owner looks back on 21 years after second national award win 'No one took my pain seriously': Greenock woman waited years for endometriosis help Word perfect pupils from Greenock school score high at Burns competitions 'It has been such a long journey, and we can't thank the Beatson enough for their support, as well as the Ardgowan Hospice for their voluntary drivers service which also helped up out.' Speaking to the Tele halfway through their four rounds, Ross and David said the challenge had been well worth it David added: 'Playing the 72 holes has always been something I wanted to do and to be doing it for such a good cause makes it even more special. 'The club and members have been such great support. Even as we have been playing a few people have come up and donated money because they have also been affected by cancer.' The duo thanked all those who donated, as well as members of Whinhill Golf Club for their support.
Glasgow Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Retired professor nears end of 5,000-mile trek around the UK
Tracey Howe, 61, began the round-trip last November in memory of her wife, Angela White, who passed away from cancer in September 2023. The journey, dubbed Tracey's Trek, has raised £45,000 for five charities. Angela (left) and Tracey on their wedding day (Image: Supplied) Ms Howe, from East Dunbartonshire, will cross the border from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Eyemouth on July 7 after walking more than 3,300 miles. She said: "This is my final border crossing and marks the finish of the whole of the coast of England and Wales. Read more: McGregor wants 'absolute maximum' from Celtic starlet amid transfer speculation "I'm excited as I feel I am now really on my way home. "I am looking forward to walking the coast of Scotland in all its glory. (Image: Supplied) "When Angela passed away aged just 58, she left a horrific gaping hole in my life. "But I decided I wanted to turn my grief into a positive. "I set out from Glasgow on November 1, 2024, and the long walk has been the hardest thing I've ever done, both mentally and physically, but I think Angela would be proud of me. 'I am doing it for her and also to raise as much money as possible for charities that are close to my heart.' (Image: Supplied) Tracey, who brought up two now-grown-up sons with Angela, has chosen the Beatson Cancer Centre, the NHS, and Marie Curie as her charities. She said: "The NHS, The Beatson and Marie Curie gave our family tremendous support when Angela was diagnosed with cancer. "She had two blood cancers, myeloma and amyloidosis, which her doctors described as the most aggressive they had ever seen. (Image: Supplied) 'I am also supporting brainstrust because prior to the cancer, Angela had also suffered a brain tumour. "It was a benign meningioma but it caused her many health difficulties." Tracey is walking an average of 20 miles daily, six days each week to complete an anti-clockwise circuit of the entire mainland British coast. She is handing out 5,000 crocheted hearts – a heart for every mile walked. She added: 'When I set out from Glasgow I didn't dare to think about reaching this point, let alone walking the entire coast of Britain, but here I am. "There have been many highs and lows over the past eight months but I am now in a daily routine and I feel much fitter."
