Beatson Cancer Charity celebrates Volunteers Week with a poem to say a MILLION Thankyous

Local celebrities and long-term supporters of Beatson Cancer Charity have been invited to join in with the annual celebration of thanking the growing yellow army of volunteers.

Article Source: Beatson Cancer Charity
Last Updated: 1 June 2020 16:07

The national Volunteers’ Week runs from 1-7 June and is highly regarded by the charity to officially thank the dedication and support from volunteers who have now reached a collective ONE million minutes! That’s a magnificent million minutes in time our volunteers give up for the Beatson. The poem ‘A million thankyous for a million minutes’, specially written by sports presenter Alison Walker, can be viewed on YouTube and is a glimpse into the world of volunteering at Beatson Cancer Charity.

Filmed within a day, ten celebrities, from a mix of theatrical and sporting backgrounds, joined forces to say thank you. The author, Alison Walker introduces the poem followed by Judy Murray, pro golfer Paul Lawrie, actors Elaine C Smith, Jonathan Watson, TV presenters John McKay, Kaye Adams, Sally Magnusson, Judith Ralston and Bryan Burnett. Alison was inspired to write this through her experience of meeting #TeamBeatson volunteers from previous events. ‘I felt so passionate about them that I had to write it all down, a poem seemed more emotive than a letter - it took me only an hour to craft as I had many reasons to thank them for. A million thankyous emerged.’

Volunteer Manager, Marlyn Hosie, describes what volunteers mean to the charity: “Our 300 volunteers are wonderful and their contribution of over 18,000 hours is invaluable! Our volunteers help in so many different ways to support patients, their families and loved ones.

“I want to add my thanks, on behalf of myself and my colleague Paul, to every volunteer who has supported us this year. Your support is greatly appreciated and the impact you have should never be underestimated. Thank you for all that you do.”

Through the medium of creative writing, the poem aims to create a connection and tell the stories from volunteers and the work they are doing. This poem is a great example of how it feels and can be used to influence social good and action - hopefully attracting more volunteers to help at Beatson Cancer Charity.

Gillian Hailstones, Beatson Cancer Charity Director of Care Services said: “Everyone at Beatson Cancer Charity is immensely proud of our volunteers and what their work means for cancer patients throughout Scotland.’

“As a result of the COVID 19 public health crisis, Beatson Cancer Charity has had to make significant changes to the way we operate. We are delighted to continue to deliver some of our services where we can, supporting our colleagues at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and our volunteers have been pivotal in supporting this.

“We are doing all we can to continue to help our colleagues at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and continue to fund life-saving research. Our fundraising efforts are strained so we still need public support to help keep our services running.”

A million Thankyous for a million minutes
#MillionMinutes

You come to us from all walks of life
Perhaps because of your son or wife
It might be your husband or very good friend
You offer your hand and help to mend.

You might be working, might be at school
Might be retired, that’s also cool
Whoever you are, you’ve chosen us
To do what you can, without a fuss.

You’re there in the rain with your brolly
You’re there in the wards with the tea trolley
Our patients love your friendly hello
It puts them at ease, when they’re feeling low

How we need you now more than ever
In these challenging times, we need your endeavour
We love that you want to do your bit
To do what’s needed – whatever the fit

A platoon of kindness, an army of yellow,
“You’re just amazing”, we want to bellow
You are the gold in our box of treasure
How much you do, knows no measure.

We hope you know how much your wanted
You keep on going, all the while undaunted
You might be standing for hours and hours
We wonder often if you have special powers!

You have a massive impact on what we do
You might not be aware, but it really is true
Holding a hand to those in need
Having a blether, or a story to read.

There are moments of course, when it’s just too sad
But plenty of times to make us glad
Those are moments that we all savour
And with your support, we will not waver.

You give up your time because you care
You give up your time to be able to share.
A million thank you’s isn’t enough
For millions of minutes doing your stuff

Things just wouldn’t happen without you all
We give you a phone and you answer the call
You’ve been part of us for many years.
So we salute you, our wonderful volunteers

By Alison Walker

If you enjoyed our poem, then please donate at www.beatsoncancercharity.org