Kenny's Incredible Effort Raises £7,100 for Beatson Cancer Charity
At Inspire Scotland, we are incredibly proud of our team members who go above and beyond—not just in their work with young people but also in their personal efforts to make a difference. One of our dedicated residential childcare workers, Kenny, who has been with us for four years, recently took on an inspiring fundraising challenge for the Beatson Cancer Charity, raising an incredible £7,100.
Kenny’s journey into residential childcare wasn’t something he had originally planned. After a long career in the military, he struggled to find a fulfilling new role. It was his wife, Jennifer, who encouraged him to apply for a position at Inspire Scotland, believing it would suit his skill set and caring nature.
"I started as relief staff, which gave me a chance to see if this was the right fit for me. Within a week or two, I knew it was," he shared. "The best part of working here is seeing the positive changes in the young people we support. From the day they arrive to the day they leave, the transformation is incredible—and that’s down to the hard work of both the staff and the young people themselves."
While Inspire Scotland has always supported charitable efforts, this particular fundraiser was deeply personal. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, Kenny was given just two years to live. As that milestone approached, he wanted to celebrate life and give back to the organisation that had played a crucial role in his journey which was the Beatson Cancer Charity.
Speaking about his motivation, Kenny shared:
“I had been given two years to live, and as that milestone approached, I realised I was still very much alive and wanted to celebrate that fact. Without the Beatson and their hard work, I wouldn't be here. They have saved my life more than once since my diagnosis, so we decided to organise a fundraising night.”
The Beatson Cancer Charity provided essential support for Kenny and his family over the last two years. Explaining why he chose to raise funds for the Beatson, Kenny added:
“The Beatson Cancer Centre wouldn’t be able to do what it does without fundraising support. They provide well-being services, health and work support, and practical care while also funding research and enhancing NHS cancer care. Since my diagnosis, the Beatson has helped in more ways than I could ever imagine. The compassion they showed not just to me but to my family was incredible. From the very first day I walked into the Beatson Cancer Centre, they made me feel at ease and talked me through every step of my treatment.”
To honour this amazing charity, Kenny organised a fundraising event, which was a huge success. Over 100 tickets were sold for a charity night that included raffles and an auction. Generous donations came from family, friends, local businesses, and even football clubs with Celtic and Rangers contributing signed memorabilia and stadium tour experiences.
Following the fundraiser, Kenny’s efforts were officially recognised. On February 3rd, the cheque presentation took place at the Beatson Cancer Charity HQ. Accompanied by Jennifer and representatives from the charity, he handed over an impressive £7,000, only to later discover that the final total had actually reached £7,100.
Reflecting on the moment, he shared: "I felt so proud of what we had accomplished and so thankful to everyone who helped make it happen. The Beatson doesn’t just provide medical care; they offer emotional and practical support to patients and families. I wanted to do something to give back to the people who have given so much to me."
At Inspire Scotland, we celebrate the kindness, resilience, and determination of our staff, not just in the workplace but in everything they do. Kenny’s incredible achievement is a testament to the power of community and the impact we can have when we come together for a great cause.