Broadcast journalist Shereen Nanjiani took time out of the radio studio to officially launch a fundraising initiative for Scotland’s newest cancer research centre.

The Beatson Pebble Appeal’s £1K Challenge invites people from across the country to raise funds to help build the Beatson Translational Research Centre, the first laboratory in Scotland dedicated to turning scientific discoveries into treatments for cancer patients.

Shereen, who hosts her own show on BBC Radio Scotland, said: “I’m delighted to be here today to help such a worthy cause. I encourage as many people as possible to take part in the £1K Challenge and please remember, every little helps towards the overall cash goal. £1K Challenge

"I know times are hard and these days it's difficult to find that bit of extra cash, but everyone knows someone who's been touched by cancer and everything you give, no matter how small, can really make a difference.

“Whether you choose to do a sponsored walk or karaoke fundraising evening, anything will help make a difference so please get in touch with the Appeal to see what you can offer.”

Professor Sir Michael Bond, campaign chairman of the Beatson Pebble Appeal, said: “We hope that the public will help us take a step towards reaching our financial target by taking part in the £1K Challenge. Please remember that every donation assists our appeal and no matter how small it is, you will really be playing your part in helping the fight against cancer.

“The £1K Challenge is significant to the name of this appeal – the Beaston Pebble Appeal. Like a pebble, every cash donation, no matter how small, will build towards our overall target so if 1,000 people managed to reach the £1K target, we’d be well on the way to our goal.”

Although the £1K Challenge is officially kicking off today, some members of public have already taken part.

A number of Challengers have cycled on a variety of routes across the country, another gave up his 60th birthday presents and instead asked for donations to the appeal and one daredevil Challenger even pledged money raised from his flight around the world in a light aircraft.

More Challenges and Challengers are needed – the more creative the better.

The £10m appeal is also being backed by both sides of the Old Firm.

The Beatson Pebble Appeal is also on the lookout for volunteers to get involved in raising money, so whether it’s assisting in leafleting or stewarding at appeal events, please get in touch with the project to lend support.

Volunteers Susan MacMillan and Laura Crouchman, who were involved in the £1K launch with Shereen, are two of the most recent volunteers for the appeal.

The Beatson Translational Research Centre, which will be built at Garscube Estate in Bearsden, will convert basic cancer research into real improvements in treatments for patients.

The scientists housed there will focus on all types of cancers that affect all ages. Cancers such as breast, prostate, ovarian, lung, throat, mouth, stomach and intestinal, some of which are the most common in Scotland, will all be studied.

The Beatson TRC, is part of Glasgow Centre for Cancer, the largest comprehensive cancer centre in Scotland. It will also be one of the largest in the UK, which is being developed jointly by the University of Glasgow, the Beatson Institute, Cancer Research UK and the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board.

For more information on the Beatson Pebble Appeal or if you are interested in taking the £1K challenge, please log on to www.beatsonpebbleppeal.com

 

First published: 17 November 2008

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