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Cancer patients and their families in Dumbarton and the Vale are to benefit from innovative online support being provided the Beatson Cancer Charity.

A website has been designed to help vulnerable patients and their families who are self-isolating, or unable to visit the Beatson hospital in Glasgow, during the coronavirus lockdown and beyond.

Patients or family members will be able to go to a unique part of the site, called ‘My Light’, to receive tailored information to help them to understand their cancer journey.

Also on offer will be practical advice and support, health and wellbeing information, money and benefits advice and now, guidelines around coronavirus.

‘My Light’ has been developed in memory of Eilidh McHugh, who tragically passed away following a short battle with a rare and aggressive cancer aged 22.

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Since her death, Eilidh’s family and friends have raised more than £250,000 for the charity.

Martin Cawley, Beatson Cancer Charity chief executive, said: ‘Everyone at the charity is immensely proud of this new digital experience that is now available to cancer patients throughout Scotland.

“Alongside the McHugh family, we have created something very special.

“We hope that this project will now actively support people, rather than just provide standard information.”

Martin said that as a result of the Covid-19 public health crisis, the charity has had to make significant changes to the way it operates.

He added: “We are delighted to continue to deliver some of our services where we can in the hospital and digitally via this website.

“This means we can still have a positive impact on patients’ lives and support our NHS colleagues at the Beatson. We continue to fund radiographers and clinical nurse specialists who are working harder than ever to provide enhanced care and support.

“Our fundraising efforts are strained so we still need public support to help keep our services running.”

To find out more about ‘My Light’, go to beatsoncancercharity.org/my-light