Beatson Talks

Host Laura Boyd is joined by Graham McLennan, whose life changed in 2020 when a sudden seizure led to the discovery of a brain tumour. After undergoing an awake craniotomy, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy at The Beatson, Graham has learned to navigate the lasting realities of living with cancer, including epilepsy, fatigue and early retirement.   In this honest conversation, Graham refle...

Lori Delaney is a playwright and PhD student at the University of Glasgow who was diagnosed with breast cancer in her thirties. Drawing from her own experience and the experiences of others affected by cancer, Lori created A Waiting Game: Life Beyond the Pink Ribbon — a powerful production exploring the realities of life during and after breast cancer treatment. The play highlights the emotional a...

Clare Bauld is a musician and choir leader from Glasgow who was just 25 when she was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. After undergoing emergency surgery and further treatment at The Beatson, Clare later experienced a recurrence and is now living with cancer.  Cancer is something Clare’s family had faced before, with her mum also previously receiving treatm...

Host Laura Boyd is joined by Paul Sheerin from Cumbernauld, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2013 after discovering a lump that had spread to his stomach. Following surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy at The Beatson, Paul says the support he received from Beatson Cancer Charity helped him and his family through one of the most difficult periods of their lives. During treatment, Paul...

Host Laura Boyd is joined by Paul Leonard , who became seriously ill with COVID in 2021. While being treated for pneumonia, doctors noticed his windpipe appeared displaced. Further tests revealed a large mass in his neck, leading to a diagnosis of thyroid cancer.  Paul shares how he underwent two surgeries and radioactive iodine treatment at The Beatson, and how the diagnosis changed his outlook o...

Host Laura Boyd speaks with sisters Alison and Michelle about Michelle’s diagnosis after initially mistaking her symptoms for menopause.  Michelle reflects on the shock of discovering a tumour, the fear of walking into The Beatson for the first time, and the tailored clinical and psychological support that guided her through treatment. Together, the sisters discuss the role of family, the compassi...

Host Laura Boyd speaks with Beatson Business Ambassador Mike Smith about four decades of supporting Beatson, a commitment that began with his father’s cancer diagnosis.  He reflects on the ambassador network, the relationships built through fundraising, and his most ambitious venture yet: Yellow Yogis - set to be Britain’s largest indoor yoga class, hosted by Finlay Wilson, known as The Kilted Yog...

Host Laura Boyd is joined by journalist, Giles Blair, who discusses his diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma, discovered during an ENT procedure. He reflects on the narrow window that made urgent treatment possible, the intensity of combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy at The Beatson, and the moments he feared he might not survive.  With honesty and humour, Giles shares the vital...

Host Laura Boyd is joined by Vikki Ridler, who shares her story of being diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 27 - just days before her birthday. Vikki talks openly about routine smear tests, early cell changes, the shock of diagnosis, and the reality of surgery and recovery as a young mum. She also reflects on life after cancer, advocating for cervical screening, finding new purpose in wo...

In the final episode of Season Five, Laura Boyd speaks with Rachel and Don McKie , a remarkable couple who have turned personal heartbreak into purpose. After losing their son Graham to glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour, they have dedicated themselves to supporting Beatson Cancer Charity and Brain Tumour Research, helping to raise awareness and vital funds for this underrepresented area of...

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...

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 sha...

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...

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 - wh...

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-la...

 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...

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 ho...

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 servi...

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...

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 Canc...

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 abou...

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 th...

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 go...

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 dia...

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.