Renfrewshire mum to take on charity walk again while undergoing cancer treatment
A Renfrewshire mum is set to tackle Off the Beatson Track once again while living with cancer. Eilidh Wilson is preparing to take part in the event on Sunday, August 24, while continuing treatment for secondary breast cancer.
The 49-year-old was first diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2018 and says taking part in the charity's flagship 10k walk brings her joy and a sense of connection to the Beatson Cancer Charity community.
'Off the Beatson Track means everything to me,' said Eilidh. 'From the moment I started radiotherapy back in 2018, I have felt like part of The Beatson family. Every nurse, every volunteer, even the physicists and pharmacy team – they have all played a part in helping me stay alive. I will never stop being grateful.'
Following her diagnosis, Eilidh, from Kilmacolm, has had a lumpectomy, 19 rounds of radiotherapy and five years of hormone therapy.
In November 2023, she was told her cancer had returned and was now secondary. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy every two weeks but is determined to keep showing up for herself and others.
Eilidh said: 'I try not to see treatment as a negative – I see it as something to be thankful for. I even joke that treatment day is like my date with Pedro Pascal!
'It is all about mindset. You can find joy in the small things. I start every treatment day with a funky song, pass that energy on to the staff and make sure to thank every single person who is helping me get through it.'
The brave mum first completed Off the Beatson Track in 2019 – just after finishing her initial treatment.
'It was roasting hot, I had glitter on my face, Dylan the dog had a bandana, and it was just me and him with a bottle of water,' said Eilidh. 'It was pure joy. That day will stay with me forever.'
She has participated several times since, bringing her trademark glitter, colour and positivity with her – no matter the weather.
This year, Eilidh will be joined by her sister, dad and partner, who are all walking by her side to show their support.
She added: 'That is the beauty of Off the Beatson Track – anyone can do it. It is not about how fast you go, it is about showing up. It keeps your body moving, lifts your mood and brings people together; whether you are walking with your dog, your kids, or your pals.'
Now in its 12th year, Off the Beatson Track has seen more than 20,000 participants walk over 124,000 miles – turning Glasgow's west end yellow in support of those affected by cancer.
The event will start at the city's Riverside Museum and follow a route past The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre on Great Western Road then via Kelvingrove Museum before returning to the Riverside Museum to finish.
The charity encourages walkers to stay and enjoy the festival village once they have crossed the finish line as there will be entertainment and food stalls.
Proudly sponsored by Allied Vehicles, the fun-filled 10k walk is fully accessible and suitable for all ages with family entertainment, music and a feelgood atmosphere throughout the day.
Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: 'We're delighted to be celebrating our 12th Off the Beatson Track event this year.
'We're so grateful to everyone who has taken part over the years – some families have been with us since the beginning so we hope everyone will get behind the celebrations this year and join us.
'Every single person who signs up is allowing us to support more cancer patients and their families over the years to come, and we cannot thank you enough for that.'
Eilidh hopes her story will inspire others to sign up and get involved – whether they are living with cancer, supporting someone or simply want to make a difference.
She added: 'You are not written off when you are living with secondary cancer. You can still do hard things. You can still live brightly. I always tell my boys to go out and spread their greatness. That is what I try to do, too.
'You do not save your best skirt for a special occasion – you wear it today. You put on your glitter, find your funky song and you keep going.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Juno the dog set to join Glasgow Beatson 10k event
Beatson Cancer Charity's official ambassadog Juno will return to the charity's Off the Beatson Track in Glasgow on Sunday, August 24. She will be accompanied by her owner, Nicole Lowther, who was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma at just 17. Read more: I had a lumpectomy, 19 rounds of radiotherapy, and more, but I am still doing this 10k Nicole, Juno, and Bella Beatson (Image: Beatson Cancer Charity) After receiving a stem cell transplant last year, she is now undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy following a relapse with Stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma this May. Despite her health struggles, Nicole is committed to supporting Beatson in recognition of the support it has given her and her family. Nicole said: "Off the Beatson Track is such a monumental event for me. "It's where people gather to feel included, feel love, and feel hope. "It's something really special." Nicole, Juno, and Bella Beatson (Image: Beatson Cancer Charity) Last year, she completed the walk just six months post-transplant, walking with family and friends, including her six-year-old nephew and Juno, who has been a constant source of comfort for Nicole during her treatment. Nicole said: "Juno has been the best support for me. "She's been by my side through it all. "When my partner gets home from work, we love nothing more than to cuddle on the couch, all three of us, and thank our lucky stars for still being here." Nicole, Juno. Bella and Team Beatson (Image: Beatson Cancer Charity) Nicole intends to participate in the walk again this year, planning to be at the start line with Juno, even if she cannot complete the route. The 10k event, sponsored by Allied Vehicles, starts at the Riverside Museum, passing The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Kelvingrove Museum, and finishing at the Riverside. Now in its 12th year, Off the Beatson Track has seen more than 20,000 participants, who have walked over 124,000 miles in support of people with cancer. This year's Off the Beatson Track is expected to be the biggest yet, hosted by Laura Boyd from STV and David Farrell from Heart Scotland. Read more: Charity launched in memory of Ultra Sonic's Mallorca Lee on his birthday Beatson Cancer Charity's Off the Beatson Track 2024 (Image: Beatson Cancer Charity) Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: "We're delighted to be celebrating our 12th Off the Beatson Track event this year. "We're so grateful to everyone who has taken part over the years – some families have been with us since the beginning, so we hope everyone will get behind the celebrations this year and join us. "Every single person who signs up is allowing us to support more cancer patients and their families over the years to come, and we cannot thank you enough for that."
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
Renfrewshire mum to take on charity walk again while undergoing cancer treatment
Eilidh Wilson is preparing to participate in Off the Beatson Track on Sunday, August 24. A Renfrewshire mum is set to tackle Off the Beatson Track once again while living with cancer. Eilidh Wilson is preparing to take part in the event on Sunday, August 24, while continuing treatment for secondary breast cancer. The 49-year-old was first diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2018 and says taking part in the charity's flagship 10k walk brings her joy and a sense of connection to the Beatson Cancer Charity community. 'Off the Beatson Track means everything to me,' said Eilidh. 'From the moment I started radiotherapy back in 2018, I have felt like part of The Beatson family. Every nurse, every volunteer, even the physicists and pharmacy team – they have all played a part in helping me stay alive. I will never stop being grateful.' Following her diagnosis, Eilidh, from Kilmacolm, has had a lumpectomy, 19 rounds of radiotherapy and five years of hormone therapy. In November 2023, she was told her cancer had returned and was now secondary. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy every two weeks but is determined to keep showing up for herself and others. Eilidh said: 'I try not to see treatment as a negative – I see it as something to be thankful for. I even joke that treatment day is like my date with Pedro Pascal! 'It is all about mindset. You can find joy in the small things. I start every treatment day with a funky song, pass that energy on to the staff and make sure to thank every single person who is helping me get through it.' The brave mum first completed Off the Beatson Track in 2019 – just after finishing her initial treatment. 'It was roasting hot, I had glitter on my face, Dylan the dog had a bandana, and it was just me and him with a bottle of water,' said Eilidh. 'It was pure joy. That day will stay with me forever.' She has participated several times since, bringing her trademark glitter, colour and positivity with her – no matter the weather. This year, Eilidh will be joined by her sister, dad and partner, who are all walking by her side to show their support. She added: 'That is the beauty of Off the Beatson Track – anyone can do it. It is not about how fast you go, it is about showing up. It keeps your body moving, lifts your mood and brings people together; whether you are walking with your dog, your kids, or your pals.' Now in its 12th year, Off the Beatson Track has seen more than 20,000 participants walk over 124,000 miles – turning Glasgow's west end yellow in support of those affected by cancer. The event will start at the city's Riverside Museum and follow a route past The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre on Great Western Road then via Kelvingrove Museum before returning to the Riverside Museum to finish. The charity encourages walkers to stay and enjoy the festival village once they have crossed the finish line as there will be entertainment and food stalls. Proudly sponsored by Allied Vehicles, the fun-filled 10k walk is fully accessible and suitable for all ages with family entertainment, music and a feelgood atmosphere throughout the day. Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: 'We're delighted to be celebrating our 12th Off the Beatson Track event this year. 'We're so grateful to everyone who has taken part over the years – some families have been with us since the beginning so we hope everyone will get behind the celebrations this year and join us. 'Every single person who signs up is allowing us to support more cancer patients and their families over the years to come, and we cannot thank you enough for that.' Eilidh hopes her story will inspire others to sign up and get involved – whether they are living with cancer, supporting someone or simply want to make a difference. She added: 'You are not written off when you are living with secondary cancer. You can still do hard things. You can still live brightly. I always tell my boys to go out and spread their greatness. That is what I try to do, too. 'You do not save your best skirt for a special occasion – you wear it today. You put on your glitter, find your funky song and you keep going.'
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Scotsman
Beatson Ambassadog Juno and owner Nicole set to attend Off the Beatson Track
Beatson Cancer Charity's official Ambassadog, Juno, will return to Off the Beatson Track this summer with her devoted owner Nicole Lowther – bringing warmth, resilience, and plenty of wagging tails to the yellow streets of Glasgow on Sunday, August 24. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Nicole, now 24, was first diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma at just 17 years old. After a stem cell transplant last year, she is now undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy following a relapse with Stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma in May 2025. Despite this, Nicole remains determined to support the cause that's stood by her and her family since the very beginning. 'Off the Beatson Track is such a monumental event for me,' Nicole said. 'It's where people gather to feel included, feel love, and feel hope. It's something really special.' Nicole Lowther, Juno, Team Beatson and Bella Beatson Last year, Nicole, from Milton of Campsie, completed the 10k just six months post-transplant, walking with her closest friends and family – including her six-year-old nephew and beloved dog Juno, who went on to be crowned Beatson Cancer Charity's official Ambassadog. Juno has provided constant comfort during Nicole's treatment and recovery and continues to be a source of love and calm when it's needed most. 'Juno has been the best support for me,' Nicole shares. 'She's been by my side through it all. When my partner gets home from work, we love nothing more than to cuddle on the couch, all three of us, and thank our lucky stars for still being here.' Nicole hopes to take part in the walk again this year, but even if she isn't able to complete the route, she'll be at the start line with Juno, cheering on walkers and soaking up the uplifting atmosphere. Now in its 12th year, Off the Beatson Track has welcomed more than 20,000 participants, who have walked over 124,000 miles – turning Glasgow's west end yellow in support of people facing cancer. Nicole Lowther and Juno The 10k route begins at the Riverside Museum, heading past The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre on Great Western Road, through Kelvingrove Museum, and returning to finish at the Riverside. Once across the finish line, walkers are encouraged to enjoy the festival village, with live entertainment and food stalls for all ages. Proudly sponsored by Allied Vehicles, this fun-filled day is fully accessible and suitable for everyone, with music, family entertainment, and a feel-good atmosphere throughout. Maisie McCormick, Community Fundraising Manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: 'We're delighted to be celebrating our 12th Off the Beatson Track event this year. We're so grateful to everyone who has taken part over the years – some families have been with us since the beginning, so we hope everyone will get behind the celebrations this year and join us. Every single person who signs up is allowing us to support more cancer patients and their families over the years to come, and we cannot thank you enough for that.' Hosted by STV's Laura Boyd and Heart Scotland's David Farrell, this year's Off the Beatson Track promises to be the biggest and brightest yet. Off the Beatson Track takes place on Sunday, August 24 and is open to people of all ages and abilities.
