Latest news with #RiversideMuseum
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Uddingston woman takes on Beatson challenge after stem cell transplant
Natalie Forrest and brother John, who provided the lifesaving donation, will complete the 10km event in Glasgow in honour of their late dad. A courageous Uddingston woman is getting set to take part in a fundraiser for the Beatson cancer charity – only 10 weeks after receiving a lifesaving stem cell transplant in her treatment for leukaemia. Natalie Forrest and younger brother John will be lining up for this month's 10km Off the Beatson Track walk in Glasgow for a second successive year, having taken part in 2024 in memory of their dad John who was cared for at the centre before sadly passing away in January that year. Just eight months later, Natalie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and has since undergone a year of gruelling treatment including chemotherapy and multiple complications, culminating in the transplant of stem cells from her sibling in June. The pair are now focusing on taking part in this year's walk on August 24, with John lending a helping hand to ensure Natalie can take part in the fundraiser taking them around the Riverside Museum, Beatson centre and Kelvingrove museum – and the pair being accompanied by a beloved four-legged friend. Natalie said: 'I wasn't sure I'd be well enough to take part this year, but the event means so much to us as a family. So we came up with a plan – John will push me in a wheelchair so I can still be there.' She will be accompanied by toy poodle Nico, who joined the family just two weeks before her dad died, and Natalie added: 'Dad never got the chance to know him properly, but I'm so grateful he got to meet him. Nico has been by my side through grief, hospital stays and recovery. He's part of our story now.' Natalie received a donation of stem cells from John in June as part of her treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia and blast myelodysplasia. She was diagnosed last autumn after her alert local pharmacist – who had herself previously battled leukaemia – urged Natalie to report her symptoms of a sore throat, high temperature and week-long urine infection to her GP, and within days, tests at Wishaw and Monklands hospitals found abnormal cells and led to a shock diagnosis of blood cancer. The 40-year-old has since undergone five rounds of chemotherapy, beginning within two weeks, and has endured multiple complications including seven cardiac arrests and a spell in intensive care, emergency bowel surgery, a stoma and numerous blood transfusions. John previously told how the family are 'eternally grateful to the pharmacist who helped save Natalie's life', and had said of her time in intensive care: 'She was placed on life support and we were told to prepare for the worst. They gave her 48 hours to see if she could survive. 'Somehow Natalie pulled through. We were allowed to bring Nico into intensive care, and she briefly opened her eyes for the first time. The next day she woke up and [went] from strength to strength.' Natalie says the support from Beatson cancer charity has been invaluable both during her treatment, and in the months after losing her dad, saying: 'The bereavement course helped me so much, and it really surprised me how personal the support was. 'When I got emails from people at the charity wishing me luck before treatment, it really stuck with me. It made me feel seen during an incredibly lonely time.' The family is hoping for sunshine this year after washout weather at the event 12 months ago – but say nothing will stop them from showing up to make their way to the finish line in support of the charity and in honour of John senior, having first begun to support the Beatson to give back with gratitude for the care and compassion he had received. Natalie added: 'Off the Beatson Track is such a special day. Everyone there has a story and everyone understands; that sense of community gives you a boost when you need it most.' This year's popular 10km walking event marks 12 years of the fundraiser which brings together thousands of participants united by their shared connection to cancer, turning the west end of Glasgow yellow by turning out in the Beatson's signature colour. More than 20,000 participants have walked over 124,000 miles to date, with finishers at the Riverside Museum able to enjoy the festival village with live entertainment and food stalls, and the event being hosted by STV's Laura Boyd and Heart Scotland's David Farrell. Beatson community fundraising manager Maisie McCormick said: '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.'
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Natalie Returns to ‘Off the Beatson Track' Just Weeks After Stem Cell Transplant
40-year old Natalie Forrest from Uddingston is preparing to take part in Off the Beatson Track for the second time - just weeks after receiving a life-saving stem cell transplant from her 39-year old brother, John Forrest. The family will also be joined by their much-loved toy poodle, Nico, as they walk in memory of Natalie's dad and in support of Beatson Cancer Charity. 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... The popular 10K event takes place on Sunday 24 Augustand brings together thousands of participants, united by their shared connection to cancer. For Natalie and her family, this event is deeply personal - symbolising care, love, and hope. Natalie's dad was treated at The Beatson before he sadly passed away in January 2024. The family began supporting the charity shortly after, wanting to give back for the care and compassion he received. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But only eight months later, Natalie received her own diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and blast myelodysplasia. With very few symptoms aside from a sore throat, her illness was picked up thanks to a pharmacist's quick thinking. She began treatment almost immediately, undergoing five rounds of chemotherapy, multiple complications including seven cardiac arrests, emergency bowel surgery and a stoma, before finally receiving her stem cell transplant on 10 June 2025 - from her younger brother, John. Natalie's Off the Beatson Track t-shirt 2024 'I wasn't sure I'd be well enough to take part this year,' said Natalie. 'But the event means so much to us as a family. So, we came up with a plan - John will push me in a wheelchair so I can still be there, and Nico is coming along too.' Nico, Natalie's toy poodle, has become a beloved part of the family - and a source of comfort during a very difficult period. Natalie got him just two weeks before her dad passed away. 'He never got the chance to know him properly, but I'm so grateful he got to meet him,' she said. 'Nico has been by my side through grief, hospital stays and recovery - he's part of our story now.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 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. 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. Nico, Natalie's job 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.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 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. Natalie and her brother John Natalie says the support from Beatson Cancer Charity has been invaluable- not only during her treatment, but in the months after losing her dad. 'The bereavement course helped me so much, and it really surprised me how personal the support was,' she said. 'When I got emails from people at the charity wishing me luck before treatment - it really stuck with me. It made me feel seen during an incredibly lonely time.' The family hopes for sunshine this year after last year's washout - but nothing will stop them from showing up to make their way to the finish line. 'Off the Beatson Track is such a special day. Everyone there has a story, and everyone understands. That sense of community - it gives you a boost when you need it most.'
Scottish Sun
04-08-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
New £100million indoor resort to open in the UK with ‘next generation waterpark' and thermal spas
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A huge Therme spa complex with a huge indoor waterpark, pools and slides, is still coming to Glasgow. Therme Group has plans to open multiple new sites across the globe, including one in Scotland. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The tropical oasis in Scotland is still in the works Credit: Therme Since the announcement of its opening back in 2021, there haven't been many updates on the upcoming Therme Scotland. But the company confirmed the build was still going ahead in a recent Instagram update. On social media it created a post about Therme's new destinations across the globe which included Manchester and Glasgow. The new attraction is planned to open in central Glasgow next to the Riverside Museum at a cost of £100million. The site will have a "next-generation indoor waterpark" with 35 water slides, 25 pools which are both indoor and outdoor, and a wave pool. There will be more relaxing areas too like thermal spas, wellbeing garden, sauna, steam room and exotic relaxation areas. The initial plans in 2021 also included a bridge being built across the River Kelvin. This would link the Riverside Museum to Therme Scotland and expanding access to the Glasgow waterfront. At the time of its announcement in 2021, Therme Group CEO Stelian Iacob said: "Therme Scotland will create a fun and accessible experience with profound health and wellbeing benefits for all. "We look forward to engaging with the Glasgow community as we progress with the design and development of Therme Scotland.' 4 The interior could look like the Manchester designs Credit: Therme 4 The Manchester Therme will have high walkways and lots of slides Credit: Therme Therme Manchester was initially announced in March 2020 with an initial opening in 2024 - however it is still in the works. The attraction bosses have said the first major construction phase will start later in 2025. The huge complex was predicted to take between 24 and 30 months to build, so it could mean that it's might not be open until 2028. Costs have risen too, initially the build was set to be £250million, this has since jumped to £400million. When the Manchester site does open, it will have a waterpark with 25 swimming pools, 35 water slides and even an indoor beach. And it will be 33C all-year round so visitors can enjoy it whatever the weather. Therme Spa is known for its affordability, at the site in Bucharest, one day entry tickets cost from €36 (£31.28). One woman even flew herself and her mum out to the Therme Spa in Romania because it was cheaper than a spa day trip in the UK. Flights and spa passes for the pair set them back £315 - rather than the £400 at the spa in their neighbourhood. For anyone who can't get enough of spas, take a look inside the new spa woodland pods in the UK that make you feel like you're abroad. And check out this European beer spa where you bathe in hops with a pint - and you can get there by train.
Daily Record
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Wishaw man Danny encourages locals to zip slide over River Clyde for Maggie's Lanarkshire
The event at the Riverside Museum, running from 9am to 3pm, will feature many inspiring centre visitors from Maggie's Lanarkshire and Forth Valley. A Wishaw man is one of several Lanarkshire locals encouraging daredevils the zip slide over the River Clyde for Maggie's Lanarkshire. On Saturday, August 30, supporters at Maggie's cancer charity are taking part in the incredible Zip Slide the Clyde event, soaring 100ft high and 1245ft along Glasgow's iconic cityscape to raise money for their centres in Lanarkshire and Forth Valley. The event at the Riverside Museum, running from 9am to 3pm, will feature many inspiring centre visitors from Maggie's Lanarkshire and Forth Valley. One centre visitor from Maggie's Lanarkshire, 63-year-old Danny King, has been promoting the event within his local area of Wishaw. Danny said he is proud to support Maggie's and is an advocate for the centre in Lanarkshire. He said: 'They (Maggie's) are helpful to those who are going through a cancer journey, and you are made to feel part of the wider Maggie's family. 'As soon as you enter you are met with kind people who go out of their way to support, comfort, and direct you to the appropriate help that you require.' Danny is an incredible supporter of Maggie's Lanarkshire, raising money through his festive dress up as Santa Clause at Christmas events in the Lanarkshire area. This year, he has continued his efforts to find ways to fundraise for Maggie's Lanarkshire throughout the year and has been named Lanarkshire's 'Summer Santa' by Centre Fundraising Organiser, Kerry-Anne Lang. Danny has previously participated in a Zip Slide event when he was 16 years old, stating that he 'really enjoyed it' and telling those who are considering taking part 'to go for it, it's for a great cause'. Centre visitor Laura McCourt, 41, from South Lanarkshire has also decided to take part in the Zip Slide the Clyde event in honour of her Mum and to support Maggie's Lanarkshire. Despite her fear of heights, Laura is determined to complete the Zip Slide the Clyde challenge. She said 'I'm certainly not someone who likes to live outside my comfort zone, that's for sure! But when I saw the call for Zip Slide volunteers, I knew it was the perfect way to say a huge 'thank you' to Maggie's for the incredible support they've given me.' In August 2024, following what they thought was a routine scan for a minor pain, Laura's mum was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer - completely symptomless until then. Laura said that she had tried to cope with the news of her mum's diagnosis on her own, but her best friend urged and pushed her to go to Maggie's Lanarkshire for support. She added: 'I was met with nothing but kindness. I spoke with a nurse specialist who listened, offered reassurance, and made me feel less alone. 'I've been having regular therapy sessions with one of their specialist psychologists ever since, helping me to process what's happening and slowly build a sense of calm again.' Since Maggie's opened its first centre in 1996, the charity has developed a programme of support that is proven to help people with cancer, as well as family and friends, take back control. Maggie's professional staff include psychologists, cancer support specialists and benefits advisors. Lorrie Cameron, Centre Head at Maggie's Lanarkshire said: 'Maggie's relies entirely on voluntary donations from individuals and the local community to enable our professional team to provide specialist cancer support, psychological support and benefits advice for everyone who needs it.' If you have any questions about the zip slide event, get in touch with the team at Maggie's Lanarkshire. The spaces are filling up quickly, with a limited number remaining. If you would like to take part click here. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Scotsman
29-07-2025
- Health
- 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.
