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My name is Aaron Brookes, and in 2022 I was diagnosed with a medullablastoma: a rare grade 4 brain cancer. Thanks to the amazing staff at Beatson, I was able to get the tumor removed and also get through 34 rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy which followed. I would therefore like to do something back to raise money for the amazing staff there.

Anyone who knows me will know that my biggest fears are tight spaces and heights, but even that isn’t as terrifying as radiotherapy sessions. Being insanely claustrophobic, I found getting strapped to a table in a mask, that left no room for movement, insanely terrifying. But thanks to the amazing staff at Beatson in Glasgow (and diazepam) I was somehow able to get through all 34 sessions.

So many people will have to go through these terrifying treatments: strapped to a table with nothing but the constant buzzing of the machinery and being left alone with upsetting thoughts on a daily basis. I cannot express how truly I am for the staff at Beatson, and how they go out of their way to make such an unbearable treatment somewhat manageable

Therefore, to raise money for the brilliant staff who continue to give their best to everyone undergoing cancer treatments, I am going to do a hot air balloon experience. I’ll admit, the thought of this is terrifying; but it will be nowhere near as terrifying as receiving cancer treatments, which so many people today are receiving. I did want to do a sky dive for this fundraiser, but having spoken with my doctors and oncologist, I am unable to do so because of health reasons.

Nonetheless, with your help and contribution, I’d like to raise as much money as possible for every member of staff that regularly administer such terrifying treatments to so many individuals, and make their experience as comfortable as possible. I have already paid for this experience from my own pocket, so all donations will be made directly to the Beatson Centre itself via the fundraising link below.

Thanks so much for reading this and donating. Please share this story and help raise money to the amazing staff who care for cancer patients in Glasgow and help support them through diagnosis, treatments and care.

Likewise, you can order custom Beatson t shirts as well, priced at £20 per shirt. Please contact me if you’d like one so I can get the right size and colour for you