Macmillan Cancer Support Scotland

Macmillan Cancer Support Scotland We do whatever it takes to support people with cancer - emotionally, physically and financially.
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We do whatever it takes to support people with cancer - emotionally, physically and financially 💚

What an incredible achievement🏃‍♂️🎉Huge congratulations to Kenny Boyle on completing this year's Edinburgh Marathon bein...
29/05/2026

What an incredible achievement🏃‍♂️🎉

Huge congratulations to Kenny Boyle on completing this year's Edinburgh Marathon being the official starter, and fundraising for us all at the same time.

It’s been brilliant seeing you share the highs, the lows and your reason why. Opening up about how cancer has impacted your life and loved ones is the kind of honesty that makes a real difference and has helped to bring people with you every step of the way.

Finishing 26.2 miles is no small feat, and raising so much in the process is really something to be proud of. Your support means we can keep being there for people living with cancer. We can’t thank you enough. Also a special shout for everyone who supported Kenny during training and on the day of the marathon!

Rest those legs Kenny, you’ve earned it🏅💚

For more information: https://www.justgiving.com/page/kenny-boyle-1

After an unexpected cancer diagnosis, Devon is taking on the London Marathon as her next big challenge.“I was about to c...
29/04/2026

After an unexpected cancer diagnosis, Devon is taking on the London Marathon as her next big challenge.

“I was about to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats with a couple of friends. I wasn’t expecting the diagnosis at all as I’d had no symptoms. It was a huge shock. Small lumps in my neck were picked up during an MRI on my head for a separate issue.

“After a follow-up biopsy, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2024. Two consultants explained the cancer and the treatment process, and then a nurse took me through the Macmillan resources, answering my many questions about surgery, follow-up treatment, and the support available. I was really grateful to have that support, and to be able to follow up with further questions.

“The run-up to surgery felt daunting. It felt like a big operation, and I was uneasy about the incision in my neck. But I also found it really hard knowing how and when to communicate the diagnosis to my friends and family. ‘Cancer’ is a big word and can trigger very different reactions in different people.

“My close friends and family were amazing. On that cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats over 12 days, I told them, and they were incredibly supportive. It was a big physical challenge but it gave me space to process everything. We even laughed about giving my thyroid one last tour of the UK before it was removed.

“Recovery after surgery was difficult physically, limited movement and then a week of radioactive iodine where I was stuck inside, isolated and so far from 'normal' life. So to be out running marathons a year later feels amazing.

“It’ll be my first road marathon and probably the busiest running event I’ll ever do.

“I’ve really enjoyed the fundraising side of being part of Team Macmillan. I feel motivated to train well and finish proudly. Writing my fundraising page really made me reflect on how far I have come and how lucky I am to be on the other side of my cancer journey.”

“Humbling, challenging, rewarding” are the words Lee used to describe his marathon training journey. Running in aid of h...
28/04/2026

“Humbling, challenging, rewarding” are the words Lee used to describe his marathon training journey. Running in aid of his brother Jamie, Lee shared what this year’s London Marathon means to him.

“Sadly, we lost my brother Jamie to colorectal cancer in March 2024 after a four-year struggle. He fought with such strength and bravery, enduring chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and major surgeries, all while bringing up his two young boys.

“Jamie was loved by everyone who knew him. His resilience and bravery were so admirable to all of us. Jamie was my only sibling, so our children have grown up to be the best of friends. Jamie’s boys are an absolute testament to him, and I really want to make them proud on the day too.

“Jamie is forever 40, and 2026 is the year of my 40th birthday, so I want to run this as a tribute to him.

“Taking on this challenge is one of the best decisions I could have made. It has brought comfort to our family, his friends, and even brought our local community together.

“Running has helped me so much over the last couple of years. Getting out of the house and clearing my head has been a coping mechanism and has really helped me through my grief. Emotionally, it’s been a rollercoaster, but thinking of Jamie’s experiences motivates me to keep going. Whenever I find myself struggling, I remind myself that nothing will compare to the pain and emotional distress Jamie, and so many others, have had to endure.

“Jamie’s first year of treatment was during the pandemic, which made everything even harder with isolation and reduced services, but Macmillan were there every step of the way. He built a close bond with his specialist nurse, who supported him and our family with coping mechanisms and emotional care. They treated him with dignity and respect, even in his final weeks. I cannot express enough how grateful we are for their support, which is why I wanted to fundraise and raise awareness for such an amazing charity.

“Having seen what Jamie went through, my outlook on life has changed. Life is unpredictable, and you never know what awaits you, so embrace each day, cherish every moment, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Seeing my family after I finish will be the highlight for me, they are what keeps me going.”

Setting off next month, Alex is taking on an amazing challenge, walking around 1,250 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s ...
24/04/2026

Setting off next month, Alex is taking on an amazing challenge, walking around 1,250 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End. He’s doing it in memory of his mum, and to give something back to Macmillan for the support they gave his dad and his whole family during such a tough time.

“I feel drawn to this madcap adventure for many different reasons: the anticipation of the challenge, the need to take a physical and mental life break, and to raise money for causes that are close to my heart. Macmillan supported my mum, and my dad too, in ways I only fully realised later, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”

You can find out more about Alex's challenge and help us make sure no one faces cancer alone 💚 https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/12465/alexs-big-walk-south/

Age-inclusive cancer care can often be overlooked, but older people with cancer can face specific barriers, from frailty...
22/04/2026

Age-inclusive cancer care can often be overlooked, but older people with cancer can face specific barriers, from frailty, access, functional decline and anxiety to social isolation and long waits for community support.

At the Beatson Cancer Centre, Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist Carly Rolston, alongside the Cancer Older Peoples Service (COPS), has been determined to change that.

Recognising the need for more equitable, age-inclusive care, Carly built on the existing work of COPS by embedding occupational therapy at its heart, designing and implementing a first-of-its-kind occupational therapist role in Scotland.
By involving her patients in conversations about their needs and wishes, alongside assessing function and providing a breadth of interventions, she has ensured the support they receive is holistic and patient-centred.

The service has expanded outpatient capacity, reduced delays in accessing therapy, helping to keep older patients at home and supporting them to navigate complex treatment decisions through realistic medicine coaching and practical resources.

By continuing to build strong partnerships across oncology, acute geriatrics, primary care and the third sector, Carly has helped shift older people’s cancer care from an ‘add on’ to an integral part of the pathway.

“This service is allowing us to do occupational therapy without borders,” says Carly. “It’s changing the way older people with cancer receive their care in this part of the world forever.”

Carly was recently nominated for Macmillan’s Excellence Awards, which celebrate the people improving cancer care across the UK.

As a finalist in the Equity Champion Award, we’re recognising her commitment to ensuring older people with cancer receive the personalised support they deserve.
Thank you, Carly, for putting fair cancer care into the heart of your work. 💚

We would like to wish a Happy Easter to anyone celebrating this weekend! 💚
05/04/2026

We would like to wish a Happy Easter to anyone celebrating this weekend! 💚

We hope you have a lovely Bank Holiday!Our Support Line is open every day this bank holiday weekend, 8am-8pm. If you nee...
03/04/2026

We hope you have a lovely Bank Holiday!

Our Support Line is open every day this bank holiday weekend, 8am-8pm. If you need advice or support, call us for free on 0808 808 00 00 💚

For Billy and his family in Moffat, Macmillan has been there through some of life’s toughest moments, and now they’re ta...
02/04/2026

For Billy and his family in Moffat, Macmillan has been there through some of life’s toughest moments, and now they’re taking on a new challenge to help make sure no one has to face cancer alone. Billy and his wife Anne have been part of their local fundraising group in Dumfries & Galloway for around 14 years. They first got involved after losing Billy’s mum, Sadie, who was supported by Macmillan, and later Anne lost her mum, Elizabeth, to cancer. In 2021, life changed again when Billy was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. After tests at D&G Royal Infirmary, it was confirmed he needed a stem cell transplant. Billy’s family was tested, and his son Alan was a 60% match, enough to go ahead with treatment.

Following Billy's tough chemotherapy, he then received Alan’s stem cells and with them, a share of his DNA. Billy then began the long road to recovery, rebuilding his strength with ongoing care and support. Having seen first-hand how vital Macmillan is, especially in rural communities, Billy and his family continue to give back year after year.

This year, their daughter Michelle is taking on her 7th Mighty Hike, while Billy and Alan are stepping even further out of their comfort zone by taking on the Port of Leith Distillery Abseil. Billy says,“Macmillan was there for my family when I went through treatment, and now it’s time to give back. Although I’m wary of heights, I’m looking forward to taking this on, especially with my son. He shared his DNA with me, so same DNA, same challenge.”

Find out more about Billy’s fundraiser: https://www.justgiving.com/page/anne-garrett-1
Every pound raised helps people across Scotland who are affected by cancer.

Cancer care in Scotland should work for everyone. But right now, too many people are waiting too long for answers, treat...
17/03/2026

Cancer care in Scotland should work for everyone. But right now, too many people are waiting too long for answers, treatment and support.

Today, we have published our manifesto ahead of the May 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. It sets out what needs to change so people with cancer get the care they deserve.

We know that cancer care in Scotland is at a critical moment. We are three years into a ten-year cancer strategy but have seen little change and even less delivery. Delays are too long, and where you live can shape the care you receive.

We hear about nurses going above and beyond to support people through cancer. But we also hear about long waits, uncertainty, and people feeling left in the dark during and after treatment.

Cancer care in Scotland is at a turning point. The next Scottish Government must take bold action to make care fairer and improve how the system works for everyone.

We are calling for:

🟢 Action to tackle inequalities in cancer care

🟢 Clear steps to reduce differences in treatment and care across Scotland

🟢 Major improvements in cancer data and digital infrastructure

🟢 A renewed commitment to person centred care

Read the full manifesto here: https://brnw.ch/21x0OEQ

If you or a loved one needs help to live as fully as possible with cancer, whatever the question or need, big or small, Macmillan is here to provide reassurance, information, and support to help you right now. For information, support or just someone to talk to, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit our website.

Last chance to take the leap for Macmillan!Limited spaces are still available for the Port of Leith Distillery Abseil in...
12/03/2026

Last chance to take the leap for Macmillan!

Limited spaces are still available for the Port of Leith Distillery Abseil in Edinburgh on 9–10 May 2026, and this is your chance to step out of your comfort zone while supporting people living with cancer across Scotland. Whether you’re taking on a personal challenge, fundraising with friends, or honouring someone special, every abseil helps Macmillan provide vital emotional, practical and financial support to those who need it most. Port of Leith Distillery, Leith, Edinburgh 9th & 10th May 2026.

Spaces are filling fast - don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience. To find out more or secure your place, contact [email protected]

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Edinburgh

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Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 8am - 8pm

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+448088080000

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