A patient at the Beatson cancer care centre is hoping that her viral ceilidh challenge for St Andrew's Day will go global in the run up to Hogmanay to help raise more money for the charity.
Helen Wynd, who is currently being treated for breast cancer after being diagnosed at the start of lockdown, has raised over £3,000 for the Beatson Cancer Charity so far thanks to the challenge.
Helen said: "We want to have videos from all over Scotland and the rest of the world in a compilation video to celebrate the amazing work of The Beatson and our ceilidh dancing.
"I hope lots of people will be creative and have fun making their videos in the knowledge their donation will be put to good use by this worthwhile charity."
An avid ceilidh dancer, Helen came up with the idea when coronavirus restrictions were set to delay her family's fundraising plans.
And being aware of the effect that Covid-19 has had on the mental health of people, she wanted to bring some joy into homes through ceilidh dancing.
She said: "This year we have missed meeting friends and dancing at ceilidhs due to the Covid restrictions. As the winter approaches and the restrictions are affecting normal socialising and mental health I thought it would be a positive idea to encourage people to dance and have fun but in a safe way whilst raising funds for Beatson Cancer Charity."
A video of NHS nursers and the radiography team from The Lanarkshire Beatson hospital taking part in the challenge during a night-shift at the facility went viral, with over 30,000 views to date.
Nicola Pollock, a nurse from Beatson Cancer hospital, was keen for her and fellow colleagues to step up to her patient Helen’s request.
She said: “We certainly need an excuse to dance this year away and Helen’s challenge is the perfect tonic.”
Helen added: "Covid stopped ceilidhs but it didn’t stop cancer. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April and have been in awe of the researchers and medics every day since then.
"A few years ago, I ran the Glasgow 10km for the Beatson in memory of another of the pipe band mums. Now, like thousands of others, I too am benefiting from The Beatson and its' research."
Throughout December, participants are encouraged to send their ceilidh dancing videos in to Beatson Cancer Charity.
For more info on the challenge, visit the Beatson Cancer Care website HERE.
You can also donate to Helen's JustGiving page HERE.
