Beatson Cancer Charity launches public appeal for life-changing MRI scanner

A public appeal has been launched in a bid to raise £100,000 for a life-changing MRI scanner at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

Beatson Cancer Charity will be fundraising through their new campaign, See the Difference, which will see them work closely with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for the new scanner as well as covering the recruitment, training and salary costs of specialist staff posts.

The new MRI scanner, which will be the first of its kind in Scotland, will help improve the outcomes of 20,000 people with cancer over the next ten years.

It will also be crucial for the Beatson as it will support treatment for children and adults who are living with cancer, and help reduce the number of radiotherapy treatments for some patients by giving medical staff the ability to adapt the daily doses, potentially making treatment more manageable.

Eithne MacPherson, Head of Therapeutic Radiography at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, said: “We are so lucky that we have The Beatson here in Scotland, with world-leading clinicians ensuring that people have access to some of the best treatments ever developed.

“By helping to fund this cutting-edge MRI scanner, you could help us add the ‘extra piece’ that will allow us to deliver world-class radiotherapy treatment.

“I know the past 12 months have been tough for everyone, but I really hope that you are as excited as I am at the prospect of bringing some hope to those dealing with a cancer diagnosis, through these challenging times and beyond.”

The scanner will directly improve the outcomes of those suffering from brain cancer, prostate cancer, spinal cancers and gynaecological cancers among others, while also opening doors to further research and increasing the Beatson’s ability to undertake clinical trials.

The fundraising campaign also hopes to create a brand new, warm and inviting MRI waiting area, to create the same comfortable and relaxing feeling people get when they walk into the much- loved Wellbeing Centre.

Jamie Matheson, Beatson Cancer Charity chairman, said: “Working in a cancer hospital like The Beatson, you are keenly aware that people are trusting staff with their lives.

“This awesome responsibility drives them to offer the very best care and treatment possible. We are extremely proud to support our colleagues in the Beatson as best we can.

“We urgently need to find ways of targeting radiation more effectively on tumours while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue. Indeed, this is one of the greatest challenges in cancer treatment today.”

Events and fundraising drives will be taking place throughout the year, with summer events being arranged subject to lockdown restrictions.

To donate, visit www.beatsoncancercharity.org/MRI or Text MRI to 70450 to donate £10