Two clinical trials radiographers working at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre have signed up to the Beatson Cancer Charity’s 8,000 step challenge.
Radiographers Donna Caldwell and Chloe Wilkinson will walk 8,000 steps every day for thirty days, or 240,000 steps in total, to raise “vital funds” to support cancer patients across the west of Scotland.
This is the equivalent of 100 miles in a month, or walking from Glasgow to Edinburgh and back.
Supporting radiotherapy trials
The 8,000 steps walked each day will represent the 8,000 new patients the centre treats each year. Ms Caldwell’s and Ms Wilkinson’s roles are partly funded by Beatson Cancer Charity.
Ms Caldwell, who has worked at the Beatson for nearly 17 years, said: “Getting involved in a challenge like this allows people to contribute to a cause they care about while doing something that boosts their own health and personal wellbeing. I’ve seen firsthand the amazing support the charity provides for so many patients and their families.”
Money raised for the charity supports the Radiotherapy Research Grant, which allows the clinical trial radiographer roles to continue, and opens trials up to more patients.
‘Make a difference and raise awareness’
Ms Caldwell added: “To me, the charity represents the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I would encourage anyone considering this challenge to go for it. It's an achievable challenge and allows you to make a difference and raise awareness for a noble cause.
“The experience will be rewarding, both personally and also in supporting the charity. I will be completing the challenge with our family pets, Penny and Mac, on our daily walks.”
Ms Wilkinson explained the role is part of the radiotherapy research infrastructure that helps set up radiotherapy clinical trials to make them available not only at the Beatson, but across the west of Scotland.
‘Supporting cancer patients throughout their journey’
She added: “Beatson Cancer Charity supports cancer patients throughout their journey and also supports radiotherapy research as well as clinical trials to improve patient outcomes. I would like to support the charity in return.
“Whilst we have been in post, the number of radiotherapy clinical trials available to our patients has increased and the number of patients entering those trials has also increased. We want to continue to offer access to radiotherapy clinical trials and the generous funding from Beatson Cancer Charity enables us to do that.”
Beatson Cancer Charity provides services, as well as funding specialist roles, research and education to invest in a better future for cancer patients and their families.
Find out more about the challenge here.
(Image: Donna Caldwell (L) and Chloe Wilkinson (R), by Beatson Cancer Charity)