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© 2026 Beatson Talks
Description
A podcast designed to inform, support, and provide a platform for patients to share their stories, while also allowing staff to discuss the support available to cancer patients and their families.
Hosted by Laura Boyd
29 Episodes
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Host Laura Boyd is joined by Paul Leonard, who became seriously ill with COVID in 2021. While being treated for pneumonia, doctors noticed his windpipe appeared displaced. Further tests revealed a large mass in his neck, leading to a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Paul shares how he underwent two surgeries and radioactive iodine treatment at The Beatson, and how the diagnosis changed his outlook on life. He also discusses raising awareness through his “check your neck” message, taking on ...
Host Laura Boyd speaks with sisters Alison and Michelle about Michelle’s diagnosis after initially mistaking her symptoms for menopause. Michelle reflects on the shock of discovering a tumour, the fear of walking into The Beatson for the first time, and the tailored clinical and psychological support that guided her through treatment. Together, the sisters discuss the role of family, the compassion of staff, and how the experience strengthened their bond. Now clear and attending r...
Host Laura Boyd speaks with Beatson Business Ambassador Mike Smith about four decades of supporting Beatson, a commitment that began with his father’s cancer diagnosis. He reflects on the ambassador network, the relationships built through fundraising, and his most ambitious venture yet: Yellow Yogis - set to be Britain’s largest indoor yoga class, hosted by Finlay Wilson, known as The Kilted Yogi and TV and radio personality, Jenny Powell all in support of Beatson Cancer Charity’s Well...
Host Laura Boyd is joined by journalist, Giles Blair, who discusses his diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma, discovered during an ENT procedure. He reflects on the narrow window that made urgent treatment possible, the intensity of combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy at The Beatson, and the moments he feared he might not survive. With honesty and humour, Giles shares the vital role of family, faith and community support, the comfort he found in writing his Substack bl...
Host Laura Boyd is joined by Vikki Ridler, who shares her story of being diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 27 - just days before her birthday. Vikki talks openly about routine smear tests, early cell changes, the shock of diagnosis, and the reality of surgery and recovery as a young mum. She also reflects on life after cancer, advocating for cervical screening, finding new purpose in work, and the support she found at The Beatson.
In the final episode of Season Five, Laura Boyd speaks with Rachel and Don McKie, a remarkable couple who have turned personal heartbreak into purpose. After losing their son Graham to glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour, they have dedicated themselves to supporting Beatson Cancer Charity and Brain Tumour Research, helping to raise awareness and vital funds for this underrepresented area of cancer research. From volunteering in the Beatson café to organising community fundraisers, ...
Join host Laura Boyd as she speaks with Sheena Wright, who shares how she’s doing “remarkably well” nearly a year after completing treatment. Sheena opens up about the first signs that led to her diagnosis, the support of her family, and the comfort she found in the warmth and care of The Beatson. From learning to play the bagpipes in retirement to planning a dream trip to New Zealand, Sheena’s story is full of strength, gratitude and a renewed love for life. She also offers thoughtful ...
Join host Laura Boyd as she speaks with Audrey Sykes, who recently took part in Off the Beatson Track to mark five years since her breast cancer diagnosis. Audrey shares her journey from diagnosis during lockdown, through treatment, to the emotional moment of ringing the bell. She reflects on life after treatment, the support of her family, and how connecting with others has opened doors for sharing stories and reassurance. From tackling hills she’d never climbed before to the unforgett...
Join host Laura Boyd as she speaks with Michael Gallacher, a young dad whose stage 3 stomach cancer diagnosis changed his life. Michael opens up about the shock of his diagnosis, the support he found through treatment at The Beatson, and the inspiration he drew from fellow patients. He also shares how he’s channelled his experience into epic fundraising challenges — from the Highlander Triathlon to a decade of charity adventures raising over £50,000 — all while focusing on family, recov...
Join host Laura Boyd as she speaks with Chris and Laura Ferri about life after Chris’s bowel cancer diagnosis at just 32. The couple open up about the shock of hearing the news, the challenges of living with a stoma, and the support they received from The Beatson. They also share how they’ve turned their experiences into fundraising events- from a 24-hour fitness challenge to icy sea plunges - while championing community spirit and men’s mental health. Honest, uplifting, and full of gra...
Join host Laura Boyd as the spotlight shifts and she takes the guest seat in this special episode, with Beatson Cancer Charity CEO Gillian Hailstones stepping in to lead the conversation. Laura speaks openly about being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia at just 29, and the reality of living with cancer for more than 16 years. She also shares the deeply personal story of how her sister-in-law helped her become a mum through surrogacy. This honest and heartfelt conversation touches on re...
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Bryan Marshall - musician, choir leader, and passionate Beatson supporter. Bryan shares his personal journey from community fundraiser to cancer caregiver when his wife Suzanne was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Through music, fundraising, and the power of positivity, Bryan and his family have become pillars of support for the Beatson Cancer Charity. Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories and discussions ...
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Donna Hicks, who opens up about the life-altering year she and her family faced a double cancer diagnosis. Just two weeks after her mum was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, Donna was told she had multiple myeloma - a rare and incurable blood cancer. Donna shares the emotional toll of keeping her diagnosis a secret, her treatment at The Beatson, and how support from the Wellbeing Centre helped her through some of the most difficult moments - ...
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with David Wynne, who shares how three heart attacks and a cancer diagnosis changed the course of his life. What began as a series of life-threatening events became the start of something transformative. David reflects on his experience as a patient at The Beatson, the emotional toll of treatment, and how volunteering became a part of his recovery. From serving tea on Ward B4, he talks about the unexpected joy he's found in giving back. Sensiti...
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Erin Lavery and her dad, Daniel, as they reflect on Erin’s powerful story - from her diagnosis in August 2024 to the moment she rang the bell to mark the end of treatment. Erin first featured on Beatson Talks during Season 3 while she was still undergoing treatment. Now cancer free, she returns with her dad to speak openly about resilience, family support, and the importance of community - both online and at The Beatson. Daniel shares the emotio...
Join host Laura Boyd as she chats with Erin Lavery and Beth Clyde, who both share their personal stories of living with cancer. They reflect on their diagnoses, treatments, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way. Erin and Beth also talk about documenting their experiences on social media, offering support and encouragement to others. Together, they highlight the vital role of Beatson Cancer Charity and share their hopes for the future. Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes ...
Join host Laura Boyd as she chats with Ian Rankin and his daughter Lucindy, who are both living with cancer. Lucindy shares how she discovered a lump, her diagnosis, and her treatment journey. Ian reflects on his own symptoms, the role his wife played in getting help, and his positive outlook - despite his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis and the loss of his brother to cancer. Ian also talks about his 2024 garden project - building a 30-foot yacht - which became a community attracti...
Join host Laura Boyd as she chats with Geoff Clark about his experience with cancer. Geoff opens up about the first signs that something wasn’t right, his diagnosis, and the ups and downs of treatment. He shares how he’s coped with the challenges, the difference staying active has made, and the support he’s had from Beatson Cancer Charity. Geoff also talks about why he decided to volunteer with the charity and what it means to him. Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal st...
Join host Laura Boyd in conversation with Paolo Lizzeri, who has faced Hodgkin’s lymphoma three times. Paolo shares his experience of diagnosis and treatment, as well as the mental and emotional challenges along the way. He discusses the power of a positive attitude, the unwavering support of his family and friends, and how he has given back by documenting his journey on YouTube to help others going through similar experiences. Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes personal stories...
Join host Laura Boyd as she talks with Rebecca, a Specialist Health and Work Service (SHAWS) Practitioner at Beatson Cancer Charity, and her client, Lyndsay, about navigating work during and after a cancer diagnosis. Rebecca explains how SHAWS supports people in balancing work with treatment and recovery. Lyndsay shares how this service helped her find confidence and direction after her 2021 diagnosis, offering practical advice and hope for others facing similar challenges. To enquire ...
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