Bridge of Weir woman joins Marti Pellow on special cancer centre visit to mark single release
A former patient at Beatson’s West of Scotland Cancer Centre recently performed with Wet Wet Wet star Marti Pellow.
Crooner Pellow, 59, put on a special performance for patients and staff at the public cafe in the centre.
The Clydebank-born star has released a new version of the band’s hit 1994 single, Love Is All Around, as part of a campaign with ITV’s Lorraine Kelly to raise awareness of breast cancer symptoms and to encourage early detection. Proceeds will go to Breast Cancer Awareness UK.
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During the performance, he was joined by Mairi Milne, 55, from Bridge of Weir, who sings on the track as part of a choir of women who discovered they had breast cancer after watching Lorraine’s chat show.
Mairi said: “I received my chemotherapy, radiotherapy and follow-up treatments at the Beatson so it’s a special place for me. Being with Marti there was fabulous.
“He’s a proud Glaswegian and knows the wonderful work that’s carried out by the staff there. I think it’s hugely important to give a little back to the charity who did so much for my family and I.
“Sadly, many people attend the Beatson but the care and compassion shown by all the staff and the volunteers isn’t always recognised. The service they provide cannot be underestimated so it’s lovely to give a little back. All donations count.
“It was quite overwhelming returning to the Beatson-it was the first time since I’d completed all my treatment. To go there and bring a little love to everyone is something I’ll never forget and to do it with Marti was unforgettable.”
Marti went on to say: “This is a very special place with such a big catchment area for the whole of the west of Scotland for people receiving treatment. It’s quite poignant because my father was given his diagnosis here.
“I’ve always driven by and when I look at it, it makes me think of my father. If there’s anything there that’s not your normal, go and get it checked.
“There’s a good chance there’s nothing wrong with you but it’s important to be aware and get checked if there are changes.
“The beautiful thing about this is that we are giving the message through the gift of song and that’s what makes it special and so powerful.”
Lorraine’s Change and Check campaign encourages women to check their breasts for changes – and stresses the importance of seeing a GP if they notice anything unusual. It was launched six years ago.
Last year’s campaign single with Joss Stone, Golden, reached number one in the charts.
Cathy Hutchison, cancer consultant nurse at the Beatson, said: “We were delighted to welcome Marti to the Beatson today, where patients and staff were able to meet him and enjoy a special performance.
“Having someone of his profile highlight the importance of routine checks and screening for breast cancer is invaluable. We’re grateful to Marti for coming along and helping to raise awareness of the work we do here at the Beatson.”
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