Beatson Cancer Charity launches new podcast hosted by STV's Laura Boyd

The Beatson Cancer Charity has launched its brand new podcast series Beatson Talks’

Hosted by STV’s Laura Boyd, the podcast is designed to inform, support, and provide a platform for patients to share their stories, while also giving staff the opportunity to discuss the extensive range of support available to cancer patients and their families.

The series features conversations around cancer research, bereavement support, living with cancer, reflections from former leadership, and personal stories of treatment and resilience.

Each episode provides valuable insights into the comprehensive support offered by Beatson Cancer Charity to those affected by cancer.

The podcast series kicks off with a line-up of episodes that dive deep into various aspects of cancer care.

Laura Boyd sits down in conversation with Professor Anthony Chalmers, chair of Clinical Oncology at the University of Glasgow and the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

They discuss the cutting-edge research being conducted at The Beatson, the importance of clinical trials, and possibilities for the future of cancer treatment.

Episode two features Patrick Baines, who shares his deeply personal experience of losing both his mother and sister to cancer within a short period, and Jemma Byrne, bereavement service psychologist from the charity.

Additionally, Laura is joined by Lisa Adam, who has been living with cancer for 19 years, and Gillian Hailstones, Beatson Cancer Charity’s CEO and former director of care services.

Together, they discuss living with cancer, including the emotional and psychological challenges that come with it. They highlight the charity’s support services, such as the Fear of Recurrence and Living with Uncertainty groups, which are designed to help individuals manage their fears and navigate life with cancer.

The series also includes reflections from former CEO Martin Cawley on his tenure at Beatson Cancer Charity. He shares the highlights of his time at Beatson and expresses his deep affection for the charity and its mission.

As Martin looks ahead to his next chapter, this episode offers a reflective and personal look at the leadership and legacy within a major charitable organization.

In the final episode of the series, Laura talks with Gillian Shirreffs, who was diagnosed with breast cancer while living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Gillian discusses how she confronted her own mortality and the support she received from Beatson Cancer Charity.

Additionally, Gillian shares her motivation for writing her book, Brodie, with all profits going to Beatson Cancer Charity, further contributing to the charity’s essential work.

Laura Boyd said: “It has been an absolute pleasure hosting the Beatson Talks podcast. Getting to hear the stories of patients, doctors and those affected by cancer really has been both an emotional and inspirational experience and one which will stay with me forever.

“Having lived with cancer for 15 years myself, I know how much learning about others stories of how they’ve coped and the tools they’ve used can help and being able to share both this and the fantastic range of services the Beatson Cancer Charity offers, in what can be the most incredibly difficult time in someone’s life, has been really special.

“I truly hope it helps but that people also just enjoy hearing stories of resilience, determination and life.”

Gillian Hailstones, chief executive of Beatson Cancer Charity added: “We are incredibly proud to launch Beatson Talks, a platform that not only highlights the exceptional work of our charity but also gives a voice to those directly affected by cancer.

“With Laura Boyd as our host, we know these conversations will be both heartfelt and impactful, helping to spread awareness and support to a wide audience.”

Beatson Talks has been recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow, ensuring a high-quality listening experience for audiences.

Listeners can tune in wherever they get their podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music making it easily accessible to a wide audience.

The first three episodes of Beatson Talks are now available on streaming platforms, with the final two episodes set to be released weekly.