Glasgow man who survived testicular cancer now volunteers at The Beatson

A Glasgow man who beat testicular cancer has begun volunteering for The Beatson to help others.

David Wynne, 46, was being treated for cancer last year at The Beatson, which is where he found out more about volunteering. He now spends every Wednesday where he helps serve teas and coffees after wanting to give something back.

He said: "Last year I was in for testicular cancer, and when I was in the ward, I got talking to some of the patients, and I started pestering Marlyn (Beatson Cancer Charity’s Volunteer Manager) about how to become a volunteer.

READ MORE: Dunbartonshire family raise £50k in memory of son who died of brain tumour

READ MORE: Wishaw drug dealer torched man's car in revenge plot over 'serious assault'

"And it grew from there – I think I was too high from the steroids I was given! But, 18/19 months ago I wouldn’t have seen myself doing something like that – when I came into the Beatson I realised that it’s a cracking place, and I just felt that it was good to give something back."

"I love doing my Wednesday shifts – it’s the best day of the week. I go on to the ward and do the coffees, teas, juices and I help put the lunches out.

"Generally, I talk to the patients and give them a bit of patter. They get to see my big smiley face and my bright yellow t-shirt.

"I think back to when I was in there, there was a lady across the room from me and she had no visitors so I used to go in and sit with her – I think it made her day. The feedback I get from the patients is ‘you’ve made my day son! Thanks very much!’ – they might not see visitors all day so just to see a wee smiley face and have someone give them a bit of patter makes a big difference.

“I always go round every room at the end of my shift and say ‘Cheerio!’ and I’ll see them in a week or three weeks depending on when the cycles are working for them.

“I come from the area, so I know a lot of people who have been treated here. It is a sad place as well. There have been a few young deaths this year, but the volunteering staff always check-in and ask if you are okay and are very supportive. If I could do more volunteering, I definitely would.”

The charity is wanting to hail volunteers ahead of Giving Tuesday. The tradition began in the USA and is the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It has now become a global movement.

Gillian Hailstones, CEO of Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “Giving Tuesday is not just a day on the calendar, it’s a fantastic opportunity for us all to come together and show what generosity really means.

"At Beatson Cancer Charity, we believe that every act of giving – big or small – makes a real impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families. Whether you’re donating, volunteering your time, or even sharing our message with friends, your support helps us provide vital care and fund research to patients and families affected by cancer.”

You can support The Beatson this giving Tuesday by donating online here.

Join Glasgow Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here to receive news and features direct to your inbox.