Robert Brown backs Beatson Pebble Appeal

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 21st Aug 2009

Glasgow MSP Robert Brown has given his backing to the Beatson Pebble Appeal, after a visit to the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research in the west of Glasgow this week.

The Beatson Pebble Appeal is a £10M campaign to raise funds to build the new Beatson Translational Research Centre, which will convert basic cancer research into real improvements in treatments for patients across Glasgow and Scotland.

It will focus upon common tumours, especially those which cause the most deaths in Scotland, such as endocrine (breast, prostate and ovarian); smoking related (lung, throat, oral) and gastrointestinal cancer.

Cancer services in Glasgow serve over 60% of the Scottish population. With a wealth of experience in cancer research and a high incidence of the disease, the city is strategically important in the fight against cancer.

Since the campaign was launched in the summer of 2007, over £4.5m has so far been pledged.

The Translational Centre for Cancer Research will be the final element in the creation what will be the largest centre for cancer research in the UK.

The Centre has been developed jointly with the Beatson Institute, Cancer Research UK and the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board.

Robert Brown said:

"It is a sad fact that so many people in Glasgow and the surrounding areas suffer from cancer.

"But enormous improvements are taking place, thanks to the work of places like the Beatson Institute. Many people will be aware of the work of the Beatson Hospital in Gartnavel, but much of what goes on there is first painstakingly researched and developed by scientists at the Beatson Institute.

"In consequence, many cancers which were once terminal can either be delayed or got rid of altogether with huge benefits to the quality of life and life expectancy of local people.

"The Translational Research Centre is a groundbreaking idea to pool together research from all over the world, in order to create new treatments to save lives and fight the disease - particularly those kinds which are very much prevalent in the west of Scotland.

"The work of the Institute is generously funded by Cancer Research UK, but to create the new Translational Research centre, additional funding is needed and that's where the Pebble Appeal came about.

"Fundraising has been happening across the city - they are already halfway there - £4.5 million is such an enormous sum for people to have generously donated.

"I hope anyone who has some spare time or a good fundraising idea will consider getting in touch with the fundraising department to discuss raising or donating an amount, however big or small."

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