Latest news with #GlasgowUniversityUnion
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Book launch to raise funds for Beatson Cancer Charity
STV News entertainment reporter Laura Boyd will host the launch of Gillian Shirreffs' powerful new memoir, Elephant, at a special charity event on Saturday, June 14, in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity. The book launch will take place at the Glasgow University Union from noon to 2pm, with all proceeds supporting cancer patients and families across Scotland. Described as 'bold and unflinching,' Elephant details Gillian's personal journey through breast cancer treatment, uniquely told through messages, tweets, and emails. Read more: Podcaster who shot to fame with book about dating to appear at Glasgow event Gillian Shirreffs, based in Glasgow, said: "I'm thrilled to be sharing Elephant at this special fundraiser with Beatson Cancer Charity. "The book was written in the hardest of times, but it's filled with humour, honesty, and hope. "I can't wait to share it with readers - and to raise more funds for a cause close to my heart." Tickets for the event are priced at £15 and are available to purchase online at Gillian, originally from Haughhead, is no stranger to Beatson, with her debut book Brodie raising more than £27,000 for the charity in 2023. The author holds a Doctor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, with a thesis exploring how illness alters our understanding of life and connection -central themes that are found throughout Elephant. Guests at Gillian's upcoming book launch will be given the chance to purchase a signed copy of her new book, as well as an opportunity to enjoy drinks, nibbles, and a charity raffle. Read more: Glasgow shopping centre promoting men's mental health All proceeds from tickets and the raffle will go to the Beatson Cancer Charity, which supports cancer patients and families across Scotland. The event will also include a live acoustic performance by Matt Hickman - known as Brownbear - and his band. This unique charity event seeks to provide readers with an opportunity to enjoy lively conversation, music, and a chance to give back through storytelling and song.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
STV presenter to host best-selling author's Glasgow book launch
A best-selling author is set to host a charity book launch for her new novel detailing her personal cancer battle. STV News entertainment reporter Laura Boyd will host the launch of Gillian Shirreffs' powerful new memoir, Elephant, at a special charity event on Saturday, June 14, in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity. The book launch will take place at the Glasgow University Union from noon to 2pm, with all proceeds supporting cancer patients and families across Scotland. Described as 'bold and unflinching,' Elephant details Gillian's personal journey through breast cancer treatment, uniquely told through messages, tweets, and emails. Read more: Podcaster who shot to fame with book about dating to appear at Glasgow event Gillian Shirreffs, based in Glasgow, said: "I'm thrilled to be sharing Elephant at this special fundraiser with Beatson Cancer Charity. "The book was written in the hardest of times, but it's filled with humour, honesty, and hope. "I can't wait to share it with readers - and to raise more funds for a cause close to my heart." Tickets for the event are priced at £15 and are available to purchase online at Gillian, originally from Haughhead, is no stranger to Beatson, with her debut book Brodie raising more than £27,000 for the charity in 2023. The author holds a Doctor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, with a thesis exploring how illness alters our understanding of life and connection -central themes that are found throughout Elephant. Guests at Gillian's upcoming book launch will be given the chance to purchase a signed copy of her new book, as well as an opportunity to enjoy drinks, nibbles, and a charity raffle. Read more: Glasgow shopping centre promoting men's mental health All proceeds from tickets and the raffle will go to the Beatson Cancer Charity, which supports cancer patients and families across Scotland. The event will also include a live acoustic performance by Matt Hickman - known as Brownbear - and his band. This unique charity event seeks to provide readers with an opportunity to enjoy lively conversation, music, and a chance to give back through storytelling and song.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Books and Beats: Fundraising book launch for 'Elephant' by Gillian Shirreffs in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity
A not-to-be-missed literary afternoon celebrating the power of words, music and community will take place on Saturday, June 14 from 12 noon to 2pm at Glasgow University Union, as bestselling author Gillian Shirreffs launches her much-anticipated second book Elephant, in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers 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... Hosted by Laura Boyd, STV News entertainment reporter, the event will also feature a live acoustic performance by Matt Hickman aka Brownbear and his band. Tickets include drinks and nibbles and a charity raffle with 100% of ticket and raffle proceeds going directly to Beatson Cancer Charity to support cancer patients and their families across Scotland. Gillian Shirreffs—originally from Haughhead and now based in Glasgow—made waves with her 2023 debut Brodie, which raised over £27,494 for Beatson. Elephant is her bold and unflinching story of her own treatment for breast cancer. Told through messages, tweets, and emails, it's a modern, darkly funny and deeply personal story about life tilting sideways Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I'm thrilled to be sharing Elephant at this special fundraiser with Beatson Cancer Charity. The book was written in the hardest of times, but it's filled with humour, honesty and hope. I can't wait to share it with readers—and to raise more funds for a cause close to my heart,' said Gillian Shirreffs. Elephant Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007, Gillian started writing while bedbound. A former HR director and English teacher, she holds a Doctor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, with a thesis exploring how illness alters our understanding of life and connection—core themes that run through Elephant. Guests can expect an afternoon of moving conversation, brilliant music, and generosity in action. You'll also be able to purchase signed copies of Elephant.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scotland's first 'slap fight' event cancelled
The first-ever slap fighting competition to take place in Scotland has been cancelled following a health warning. BritSlap/SlapFight UK was due to hold the event at Glasgow University Union on Saturday evening as part of a wider weightlifting meet. However, a leading expert on brain injury said it was "inconceivable" the bouts should go ahead due to the elevated risk of concussion. A spokesperson for the student union said the event had been cancelled "in discussion with organisers". Slap fighting began in Russia and expanded into Eastern Europe and the United States after going viral on social media. Unlike in boxing, MMA and Muay Thai where there is a defensive element, here competitors exchange forceful bare-handed blows to the side of the head without defending themselves. The winner is decided either by knock out, a points win or a stoppage by a medic or referee. Slap fighting: Controversial event makes Scottish debut SlapFight UK, which has no independent regulation or governance, is the first independent league to be set up in this country and was due to host its first Scottish meet after several events in England. But Dr Willie Stewart, a leading researcher at the university's school of neuroscience, urged competitors not to "risk their brain health in the name of sport". Dr Stewart said the university had led research into traumatic brain injuries for over 50 years, including the "catastrophic outcomes" to brain health suffered by former footballers and rugby players. He told BBC Scotland News: "There is no question that the University of Glasgow's research has provided the clearest evidence that brain injuries should never be considered trivial or encouraged as 'sport'. "In this context, it seems inconceivable, if not ill-considered, that a students' union of this university would be hosting such an event. "I'd suggest that rather than encouraging people to risk their brain health in the name of 'sport', the event organisers spend a few hours in my laboratory and educate themselves on the consequences of brain injuries." An American study on slap fighting last year warned of a high risk of concussion for participants. The University of Pittsburgh research analysed footage of 78 fights and found more than half of participants displayed visual signs of concussion. Its lead author, Dr Raj Swaroop Lavadi said the lack of defensive element meant each blow was "amplified". He also said promoters should be "more transparent about its risks". The student union previously said it was "satisfied" with safety measures in place. A statement released late on Friday said: "In discussion with the event organisers, the slap fighting element of this weekend's weightlifting competition is no longer going ahead." BBC Scotland has contacted the union for further comment. SlapFightUK and Glasgow University have also been contacted for comment. Health warning over face-slap fighting Slap fighter looking to open his own gym
BBC News
22-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Scotland's first 'slap fight' event in Glasgow cancelled
The first-ever slap fighting competition to take place in Scotland has been cancelled following a health UK was due to hold the event at Glasgow University Union on Saturday evening as part of a wider weightlifting a leading expert on brain injury said it was "inconceivable" the bouts should go ahead due to the elevated risk of concussion.A spokesperson for the student union said the event had been cancelled "in discussion with organisers". Slap fighting began in Russia and expanded into Eastern Europe and the United States after going viral on social in boxing, MMA and Muay Thai where there is a defensive element, here competitors exchange forceful bare-handed blows to the side of the head without defending winner is decided either by knock out, a points win or a stoppage by a medic or referee. SlapFight UK, which has no independent regulation or governance, is the first independent league to be set up in this country and was due to host its first Scottish meet after several events in Dr Willie Stewart, a leading researcher at the university's school of neuroscience, urged competitors not to "risk their brain health in the name of sport".Dr Stewart said the university had led research into traumatic brain injuries for over 50 years, including the "catastrophic outcomes" to brain health suffered by former footballers and rugby told BBC Scotland News: "There is no question that the University of Glasgow's research has provided the clearest evidence that brain injuries should never be considered trivial or encouraged as 'sport'."In this context, it seems inconceivable, if not ill-considered, that a students' union of this university would be hosting such an event."I'd suggest that rather than encouraging people to risk their brain health in the name of 'sport', the event organisers spend a few hours in my laboratory and educate themselves on the consequences of brain injuries." Force of strikes 'amplified' An American study on slap fighting last year warned of a high risk of concussion for University of Pittsburgh research analysed footage of 78 fights and found more than half of participants displayed visual signs of lead author, Dr Raj Swaroop Lavadi said the lack of defensive element meant each blow was "amplified".He also said promoters should be "more transparent about its risks". The student union previously said it was "satisfied" with safety measures in place.A statement released late on Friday said: "In discussion with the event organisers, the slap fighting element of this weekend's weightlifting competition is no longer going ahead."BBC Scotland has contacted the union for further and Glasgow University have also been contacted for comment.
