A Scottish mother battling cancer joined the launch of this year’s Christmas carol concert for Cancer Research UK.
Megan Campbell, from Alexandria in Dunbartonshire, joined broadcaster Laura Boyd at the launch of the Glasgow carol concert, which is set to take place on December 4 at Glasgow Cathedral.
Social worker Megan was diagnosed with breast cancer in May last year, at the age of just 33.
Weeks later, tests showed that her cancer had spread.
Read more: Dog lovers invited to free festive event in Glasgow this winter
Megan underwent six rounds of chemotherapy treatment over 18 weeks, which finished in October last year.
Now her treatment includes Herceptin, a drug which Cancer Research UK-funded scientists played a role in developing.
Megan, 34, is closely monitored by doctors at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, and her cancer is currently stable.
Despite the difficulties she has faced, Megan is determined to make the most of this year’s festive season.
She and her husband Stephen plan to make the most of every moment with their four-year-old daughter Lily — with panto visits, breakfast with Santa, and even a reindeer visit already lined up.
Megan said: “I’m not letting cancer rule my life.
“We’re making memories that last a lifetime all through the year, and that includes at Christmas time.
“We take many photos now to capture every single moment.
“Lily starts school next August, and it’s wee milestones like that which I look forward to.”
Read more: Glasgow panto stars unite as city's 850th birthday party comes to a close
At the Glasgow carol concert launch, Megan and Lily were given special VIP tickets for the concert, which will raise money for Cancer Research UK.
The concert will be hosted by Laura Boyd, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in September 2009.
Laura, who still receives check-ups every three months for the disease, has expressed how important it is to raise money for cancer research.
She said: “I am living proof that the work scientists do and the funding supporters raise goes to help save lives.
“I love everything about Christmas, but it’s also a time for reflection.
“Sadly, so many people are affected by cancer.
“The Glasgow carol concert is a wonderful opportunity to come together, to support each other and raise funds.”
The concert has been running since 1999 and has raised more than £400,000 for Cancer Research UK, which funds research to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.
The 2024 event will feature performances from music star Nathan Evans, opera singers Gordon Wilson and Judith Howarth, Saint Phnx, the Zigzag community choir and the High School of Glasgow choir.
ScottishPower, which launched its partnership with Cancer Research UK in 2012, is the headline sponsor for the event.
Over the years, the company has raised more than £40m to date to support the charity’s life-saving research.
Andrew Ward, chief executive of customer business at headline sponsor ScottishPower, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved for Cancer Research UK through our long-standing partnership.
“More than £40m for life-saving work is nothing short of phenomenal.
“We’re determined we’re not stopping now and are delighted to support Cancer Research UK’s Christmas carol concert.”
The Glasgow Cathedral Christmas carol concert will take place on Thursday, December 4, at 6.30pm.
Tickets for the event are priced at £45 for adults and £20 for children.
