Beatson Talks

Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Erin Lavery and her dad, Daniel, as they reflect on Erin’s powerful story - from her diagnosis in August 2024 to the moment she rang the bell to mark the end of treatment. Erin first featured on Beatson Talks during Season 3 while she was still undergoing treatment. Now cancer free, she returns with her dad to speak openly about resilience, family support, and the importance of community - both online and at The Beatson. 

Daniel shares the emotional experience of supporting his daughter through cancer, and how writing helped him navigate long, difficult nights. Together, they discuss humour as a coping tool, the value of the Teenage and Young Adult Unit at The Beatson, and their hopes for the future. 

Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised.

Join host Laura Boyd as she chats with Erin Lavery and Beth Clyde, who both share their personal stories of living with cancer. They reflect on their diagnoses, treatments, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way. Erin and Beth also talk about documenting their experiences on social media, offering support and encouragement to others. Together, they highlight the vital role of Beatson Cancer Charity and share their hopes for the future. 

Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about living with cancer. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised. 

Join host Laura Boyd as she speaks with Suzie Wong about her thyroid cancer diagnosis and the treatment, she received at the Beatson. Suzie opens up about the challenges she faced as a single mother, her decision to transform her life through fitness, and the positive changes she’s made since her diagnosis. She also discusses her fitness business, the role of exercise in supporting mental health, and her commitment to giving back to Beatson Cancer Charity through fundraising and community support. 

Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about living with cancer. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised. 

Join host Laura Boyd as she chats with Ian Rankin and his daughter Lucindy, who are both living with cancer. 

Lucindy shares how she discovered a lump, her diagnosis, and her treatment journey. Ian reflects on his own symptoms, the role his wife played in getting help, and his positive outlook - despite his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis and the loss of his brother to cancer. 

Ian also talks about his 2024 garden project - building a 30-foot yacht - which became a community attraction and raised funds for Beatson Cancer Charity. Together, they discuss the challenges their family has faced, the support they’ve received from the charity, and their future plans. 

Since filming, Ian has sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time, and we’re grateful that his story can continue to be shared.

Join host Laura Boyd as she chats with Geoff Clark about his experience with cancer. Geoff opens up about the first signs that something wasn’t right, his diagnosis, and the ups and downs of treatment. He shares how he’s coped with the challenges, the difference staying active has made, and the support he’s had from Beatson Cancer Charity. Geoff also talks about why he decided to volunteer with the charity and what it means to him.  

Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about living with cancer. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised. 

Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Paolo Lizzeri, who has faced Hodgkin’s lymphoma three times. Paolo shares his experience of diagnosis and treatment, as well as the mental and emotional challenges along the way. He discusses the power of a positive attitude, the unwavering support of his family and friends, and how he has given back by documenting his journey on YouTube to help others going through similar experiences. 

Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions about living with cancer. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Listener discretion is advised. 

Join host Laura Boyd as she talks with Rebecca, a Specialist Health and Work Service (SHAWS) Practitioner at Beatson Cancer Charity, and her client, Lyndsay, about navigating work during and after a cancer diagnosis. Rebecca explains how SHAWS supports people in balancing work with treatment and recovery. Lyndsay shares how this service helped her find confidence and direction after her 2021 diagnosis, offering practical advice and hope for others facing similar challenges. 

To enquire about our SHAWS service please call 0141 212 0505 or visit Beatsoncancercharity.org. 

Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Rhona and Marj, wig specialists at Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre, as they discuss the impact of hair loss and the ways wigs can help restore confidence. Rhona and Marj share tips on selecting the perfect wig and talk about the compassionate support available for those facing hair loss during cancer treatment.

Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Susannah Radford, a Senior Pharmacovigilance Clinical Trial Coordinator, about the incredible work happening at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre’s Clinical Trials Unit. Susannah explains how clinical trials offer patients access to new treatments, bringing hope and helping to advance cancer care.

Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with John Allison, founder of The K9 Way, about his year-long fundraising journey for Beatson Cancer Charity. John shares updates on the challenges he's taking on, including the Devil O’ Highlands Ultra Marathon and the Edinburgh Marathon, aimed at raising essential funds for the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow. 

John discusses his personal motivations and explores fundraising methods, inspiring listeners to get involved. Tune in to learn how every effort makes a difference for families affected by cancer.