A HELENSBURGH man is encouraging people to support patients and families affected by cancer this winter by signing up to a charity’s annual Santa Dash.

The annual run, jog, walk or cycle is back this year with all money raised going directly towards the Beatson Cancer Charity.

Adults, children and even dogs are all being encouraged to don their Santa outfits from December 11 to December 18 for the Beatson Cancer Charity’s virtual event.

The Beatson provides services, as well as funding specialists, research and education to invest in a better future for cancer patients and their families.

Helensburgh man Alan Dunlay, who received treatment at the Beatson after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, told the Advertiser: “The first phase of my treatment for my brain tumour was done in Essex and I came up to Scotland for my second phase at the Beatson.

“I saw the Beatson was trying to raise funds so I thought I would sign up to support them.

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“Since I’ve had my diagnosis, I’ve done a bit more research on brain tumours and it’s quite clear there is a general feeling that there is not enough research and funding for brain tumours.

“The treatment that I went through is pretty old-fashioned and I would like to take the opportunity to make people aware of how underfunded it is."

Alan will be completing his Santa Dash alongside his wife in Helensburgh.

He added: “I’ve been trying to raise awareness among family and friends about what the Beatson actually does.

“I think a lot of people consider the Beatson as just a Glasgow hospital, but obviously its influence extends a lot further than that.

“I will be wearing an outrageous reindeer hat for my 5k around Helensburgh so I’m looking forward to that!”

Maisie McCormick, community fund-raising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “This year is our second virtual event. We have decided in line with Glasgow City Council and the current restrictions that we’ll keep everybody safe again this year and we’ll do a virtual event.

“Events like this are hugely important to us as a charity, the impact of Covid over the past year and a half has been huge for all charities – we’ve had to cancel a lot of events and activities.

“This is a great way for us to be able to raise some money to continue to help patients and families who are living with cancer throughout Christmas and beyond.”

To find out more and to register, go to beatsoncancercharity.org/events/2021/december/santa-dash.