Santa Dash 2021: On your marks...!

The Santa Dash is returning this year to help raise funds for Beatson Cancer Charity. 

Join our Virtual Santa Dash from 11^th December-18^th December. Run, jog, walk or hop on your sleigh – it’s time to do 5k your way!

Show your support to patients and families affected by cancer this winter by signing up to this year’s Santa Dash. Once registered, you will receive a free Santa hat with a Beatson Cancer Charity badge on it, to help paint your town red and yellow.

Please watch this video of our fantastic Wellbeing Team at Beatson Cancer Charity as they warm up for the dash this weekend!

Ashley Haggarty from Paisley is doing the Santa Dash this year following the treatment her mum has received at the Beatson. 

Ashley said: “I wanted to join the Santa Dash to raise money for the Beatson as it has a big part in my life. My mum was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016 and has received chemotherapy treatment. 

“Since then, they have researched immunotherapy and my mum now receives this to this day and it’s containing her cancer.” 

Louise Burns from Glasgow is doing the Santa Dash during the Park Run on Saturday 11^th December. 

Louise says: “My mum and sister were both diagnosed with cancer this year and I’m running for them. Without the Beatson I don’t know where we would be.

“The support from the Beatson has been invaluable, not just the medical support but the emotional support as well.” 

Mairi McWilliams from Glasgow is taking part with her friend who is travelling down from Stornoway.

Mairi said: “My dear friend received Stereotactic radiotherapy to the second of her cancerous brain tumours on May 31st 2016 at the renowned Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. 

“Thanks to the expertise, knowledge and skills of the highly trained Dr Allan James who, along with his team of clinicians & other oncologists, decided that this form of radiotherapy was most suited to the type of brain tumour she had.

“She still remains in remission and that's also thanks and gratitude to all the scientists involved in research. As we are all aware or should be by now, research needs money! Everyone’s lives will be touched by cancer at some point.” 

Kirsty Kelly from Clydebank is also taking part in the event with the rest of her family, after her father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer six years ago. 

Kirsty said: “The Glasgow Santa Dash has been an important part of my family's Christmas tradition for over 10 years.

“I love the atmosphere running through the streets of Glasgow with thousands of Santas.

“Although last year was not the same, it was still great to have a little bit of normality and run our 5k around the streets of Clydebank (still dressed as Santa) and we're looking forward to doing it all again this year.

“It's also great to be able to raise funds for the Beatson which has been a great support to a number of our family and friends, particularly my father-in-law over more recent years.” 

Maisie McCormick, community fundraising 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.” 

We’d love to see everyone’s best-dressed efforts and there will be a chance to win some top prizes.

We can’t wait to see some Jack Frosts, Reindeer Clans, and other festive friends! 

Find out more about the Santa Dash and register to take part here.