The Beatson Pebble Appeal has passed the half-way mark in its bid to raise £10 million to help build the Beatson Translational Research Centre (TRC).

The Beatson TRC, to be based in Glasgow, will be the first laboratory in Scotland dedicated to turning scientific discoveries into treatments for cancer patients.

To date the campaign, run by the University, has raised £5.8 million.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, who visited the Beatson Institute in September last year, congratulated campaigners saying:

“Raising more than £5 million in less than 18 months is a remarkable achievement, and I congratulate everyone who has contributed or worked to fund-raise so far.

“The Beatson Translational Research Centre will be a world-class facility, transforming scientific advances in the lab into real benefits for patients. Reaching the halfway milestone brings us ever closer to this shared goal for Scottish science and, above all, Scottish patients.”

Professor Sir Michael Bond, campaign chairman of the Beatson Pebble Appeal, thanked all those who have so far raised money for the facility.

“Reaching the half-way stage in is an important milestone for us. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have worked hard to raise money for the appeal. Without the public’s generosity, hard work and enthusiasm we would not be here today.

“However we must keep going if we are going to reach our target of £10 million. I’d urge the public to 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 Pebble Appeal run a number of fund-raising initiatives and events including the Glasgow University Charity Zip Slide which is due to take place later this year. In May, intrepid fundraisers will be able to zoom across the River Clyde - in complete safety - to raise funds for the cancer appeal. Last year’s Zip Slide raised £31,000. This year’s event takes place on Saturday 22 May and organisers hope to raise even more money.

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 this and other fundraising ideas and volunteering opportunities please see www.beatsonpebbleappeal.net.

For media information please contact Eleanor Cowie, Media Relations Officer at the University of Glasgow, on 0141 330 3683 or E.Cowie@admin.gla.ac.uk

For Fundraising information and enquires please contact Lindsey Donald, Development Officer at the University of Glasgow, on 0141 330 8007 or L.Donald@admin.gla.ac.uk

First published: 5 February 2010

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