Beatson Talks

When GP and broadcaster Dr Punam Krishan was diagnosed with breast cancer, she suddenly found herself on the other side of the consultation room.

In this deeply personal conversation with Beatson Cancer Charity CEO Gillian Hailstones, Dr Punam reflects on the shock of diagnosis, the reality of treatment, and the often-overlooked challenges that come when treatment ends.

Together, they explore what it means to navigate fear, uncertainty and recovery while continuing to be a parent, partner, friend and professional. Dr Punam speaks candidly about identity, grief, healing and the pressure to return to "normal" when life has been fundamentally changed.

Thoughtful, moving and ultimately hopeful, this episode shines a light on the realities of living beyond cancer and the unexpected gifts that can emerge from life's most difficult experiences.

Host Laura Boyd is joined by Graham McLennan, whose life changed in 2020 when a sudden seizure led to the discovery of a brain tumour. After undergoing an awake craniotomy, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy at The Beatson, Graham has learned to navigate the lasting realities of living with cancer, including epilepsy, fatigue and early retirement.  

In this honest conversation, Graham reflects on the emotional and practical challenges of life after treatment, the effect his diagnosis has had on his family, and how humour helped him cope through some of his darkest moments. He also discusses the support he received from Beatson Cancer Charity and how it helped him adjust to life beyond treatment. Now, Graham is passionate about using his lived experience to support others, giving back through the charity's lived experience group and encouraging more open conversations about cancer. 

Lori Delaney is a playwright and PhD student at the University of Glasgow who was diagnosed with breast cancer in her thirties. Drawing from her own experience and the experiences of others affected by cancer, Lori created A Waiting Game: Life Beyond the Pink Ribbon — a powerful production exploring the realities of life during and after breast cancer treatment.

The play highlights the emotional and long-term effects cancer can have long after treatment ends, helping to open up honest conversations around survivorship, identity and uncertainty. Author and former Beatson Cancer Charity ambassador Gillian Shirreffs also featured in the production, sharing her own lived experience of cancer.

Beatson Cancer Charity has awarded Lori a grant to bring the production back to the stage and support further research, helping ensure more people affected by cancer feel seen, heard and understood through shared experiences and storytelling.

Clare Bauld is a musician and choir leader from Glasgow who was just 25 when she was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. After undergoing emergency surgery and further treatment at The Beatson, Clare later experienced a recurrence and is now living with cancer. 

Cancer is something Clare’s family had faced before, with her mum also previously receiving treatment for cancer. While that gave them a shared understanding, it also highlighted how different every person’s situation can be. 

Throughout her treatment and beyond, Clare has accessed support from Beatson Cancer Charity, including wellbeing therapies and the Living with Uncertainty programme. Clare says that support has helped her manage the uncertainty that can come with cancer, while allowing her to feel seen as an individual. 

Passionate about giving back, Clare also organised a fundraising concert which raised more than £7,000 to support Beatson Cancer Charity. 

Host Laura Boyd is joined by Paul Sheerin from Cumbernauld, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2013 after discovering a lump that had spread to his stomach. Following surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy at The Beatson, Paul says the support he received from Beatson Cancer Charity helped him and his family through one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

During treatment, Paul regularly visited the charity’s Wellbeing Centre, where complementary therapies, a welcoming environment and support from staff helped him cope with the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment.

Now living well beyond cancer, Paul is dedicated to giving back. As Volunteer Coordinator at Beatson Cancer Charity, he helped establish the charity’s befriending service and organises an annual footgolf fundraiser, alongside taking on a range of other challenges to support people affected by cancer.

Host Laura Boyd is joined by Paul Leonard, who became seriously ill with COVID in 2021. While being treated for pneumonia, doctors noticed his windpipe appeared displaced. Further tests revealed a large mass in his neck, leading to a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. 

Paul shares how he underwent two surgeries and radioactive iodine treatment at The Beatson, and how the diagnosis changed his outlook on life. He also discusses raising awareness through his “check your neck” message, taking on fundraising challenges, and why speaking up and seeking support matters. 

Host Laura Boyd speaks with sisters Alison and Michelle about Michelle’s diagnosis after initially mistaking her symptoms for menopause. 

Michelle reflects on the shock of discovering a tumour, the fear of walking into The Beatson for the first time, and the tailored clinical and psychological support that guided her through treatment. Together, the sisters discuss the role of family, the compassion of staff, and how the experience strengthened their bond. 

Now clear and attending regular check-ups, Michelle also shares the importance of trusting your instincts, seeking GP follow-up, and marking her recovery by raising £13,000 with her team at Strictly Beatson. 

Host Laura Boyd speaks with Beatson Business Ambassador Mike Smith about four decades of supporting Beatson, a commitment that began with his father’s cancer diagnosis. 

He reflects on the ambassador network, the relationships built through fundraising, and his most ambitious venture yet: Yellow Yogis - set to be Britain’s largest indoor yoga class, hosted by Finlay Wilson, known as The Kilted Yogi and TV and radio personality, Jenny Powell all in support of Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre. 

Host Laura Boyd speaks with Beatson Business Ambassador Mike Smith about four decades of supporting Beatson, a commitment that began with his father’s cancer diagnosis. 

He reflects on the ambassador network, the relationships built through fundraising, and his most ambitious venture yet: Yellow Yogis - set to be Britain’s largest indoor yoga class, hosted by Finlay Wilson, known as The Kilted Yogi and TV and radio personality, Jenny Powell all in support of Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre. 

Host Laura Boyd is joined by journalist, Giles Blair, who discusses his diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma, discovered during an ENT procedure. He reflects on the narrow window that made urgent treatment possible, the intensity of combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy at The Beatson, and the moments he feared he might not survive. 

With honesty and humour, Giles shares the vital role of family, faith and community support, the comfort he found in writing his Substack blog Lymphoma Basket Case, and how his diagnosis reshaped his priorities and appreciation for life.