A WOMAN from Erskine who was diagnosed with cancer as she was grieving her dad’s death is set to take on a huge challenge to raise cash for a good cause.

Karen Loan was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year, following her dad passing away after he was also diagnosed with cancer in 2021.

The 53-year-old has been affected by the deadly disease throughout her life with her mum being diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago, and her mother-in-law also passing away following a cancer diagnosis.

The Gazette:

Karen said: “I was still processing the sudden loss of my dad to cancer who died two weeks after being diagnosed in January 2021.

“I was then hit with the devasting news I had cancer. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer on June 28, 2022, and my world just fell apart."

Now, the Erskine woman is set to take part in the Beatson Cancer Charity’s “Off the Beatson Track” walking event at the end of August.

She said: “I signed up to Off the Beatson Track as I very much want to give something back to The Beatson, not only for me, my mum and my mother-in-law. It’s to help and keep the support alive for this charity.

“I dread to think where we would be if The Beatson wasn’t there. Seeing it firsthand was a real eye-opener.

“The medical team, the staff, the tea lady, and the Beatson Café team were all amazing."

The annual event is a 10K walk to help raise money for cancer patients and their families.

Karen added: “Getting through the most difficult days was tough, they helped me in more ways than you can imagine. They went above and beyond to get me through that day.

“Thankfully, I am now in remission, still an outpatient at The Beatson and I will be for the next few years.

“Doing this walk will never be enough to give back to The Beatson what it deserves. It will be a challenge for me as I still experience little side effects of treatment, however, I will complete it even if on my knees.”

The event will be its tenth anniversary and will see over 2,000 participants take part.

The Gazette:

It will start at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow on Sunday, August 27 and go past The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre on Great Western Road, via Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and then back to the Riverside Museum to finish.

A festival village will be at the finish line for supporters to enjoy food, and entertainment, and take part in activities.

It will also be hosted by STV’s Laura Boyd and BBC’s David Farrell.

Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We’re so excited to be celebrating Off the Beatson Track’s 10-year milestone.  

“It’s our flagship event and every year we’re overwhelmed by the support we receive, but this year is set to be the biggest and best event yet with over 2,000 participants and lots of fun and entertainment for all the family on the day.  

“Every single walker is helping us support more cancer patients and their families in the west of Scotland over the years to come, so we’re very grateful to everyone who signs up to take part.”