Yesterday marked a pivotal point in our progressive march towards finding a cure for all types of brain tumours, with the opening of The Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence.
Based at the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and funded through a dynamic collaboration with Glasgow-based Beatson Cancer Charity, our fifth Centre of Excellence represents our unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by this devastating disease.
Despite the desperate unmet needs that led to the Centre’s launch, the atmosphere was one of celebration as the doors were opened to brain tumour patients and their families, charity workers, researchers and politicians.
Visitors toured the laboratory and heard inspirational talks from the Centre’s scientists. Led by Professor Steven Pollard and Professor Anthony Chalmers, the team talked about their work advancing the development of new treatments for glioblastoma, with the aim of producing the evidence required to rapidly progress these treatments into clinical trials for patients in Scotland and beyond.
Edinburgh team lead Prof Steven Pollard, CEO Beatson Cancer Charity Gillian Hailstones, our CEO Dan Knowles and Glasgow lead Prof Anthony Chalmers
Our Patron Theo Burrell, who is living with a glioblastoma, has been at the forefront of the campaign for a Centre in Scotland, and BBC Scotland’s political editor Glenn Campbell (top left photo with Theo), who is living with an oligodendroglioma, raised more than £200,000 to make it a reality. They each gave a rousing speech, sharing their personal stories with a heartfelt honesty that moved the crowded room.
Amongst the attendees was Dawn Kennedy, from Tarbolton, who lost her son, Jay, 20, to an aggressive astrocytoma in 2021. Since then, Dawn has relentlessly raised money to help fund the new Centre, with the help of her community. She said:
“Having a dedicated Centre of Excellence focused on the most aggressive brain tumours is a huge step forward. It brings fresh energy and momentum to the cause, offering hope to families like ours who have faced unimaginable challenges against a relentless disease.”
Researchers from the Glasgow team and Beatrice Wishart MSP, Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Brain Tumours
Also present were Don and Rachel McKie, from Milngavie, who – along with their family – have raised £50,000 in memory of their son Graham, who died of a glioblastoma when he was just 32 in August 2006. Rachel said: “This new Centre will be life-changing for so many families. It’s a chance for Scotland to lead the way in tackling glioblastoma and supporting those affected by it. Knowing it’s dedicated to researching the type of tumour Graham had makes it all the more meaningful.”
Don and Rachel at the Wall of Hope and Claire Cordiner, second left, with her family
As part of the widespread media coverage of this momentous event, the couple were interviewed on STV News at Six and BBC Radio Scotland (listen at 1h 52m 52s), while Dan and Theo gave several interviews including on BBC Radio 5Live Drivetime (listen at 42m 50s). Claire Cordiner, who has tragically lost four members of her family to brain tumours, was interviewed by STV and her story appeared in The Mirror, Daily Record and Edinburgh Live.
Rachel and Don share photos of their beloved son Graham during an interview with STV News at Six
Nadia Majid’s four-year-old son, Rayhan, from Airdrie, died from a high-grade medulloblastoma brain tumour in April 2018. Although unable to attend the event, Nadia – who has raised thousands to help us further our cause and has been a strong campaigning voice in Scotland – said: “It’s amazing. All of the awareness and fundraising we’ve done is coming to fruition. This isn’t just one step forward; it’s a huge leap in the search to find a cure for brain tumours.
"I’m convinced we’ll see breakthroughs coming out of this Centre. I hope it gives hope and encouragement to brain tumour patients who are going through treatment now.”
Supporters at the Wall of Hope
The Centre will see £2.4 million of funding granted over five years in the fight to find a cure. We have raised more than half this amount with your help, but we still need to raise another £1 million. Please consider making a donation. Big or small, you will be making a difference.
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Published Thursday 30th January 2025.