Thursday May 21st 2026
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A woman from Stirling is preparing to take on the Edinburgh Marathon in support of Beatson Cancer Charity in memory of her beloved “Grumpa” whose life was extended thanks to a groundbreaking cancer drug trial.
Amy McDiarmid, 30, will run 42.2km on Sunday 24th May in honour of her Grumpa, George, who passed away on 20th December 2024.
Amy discovered a love for running two years ago after completing Couch to 5K, with George quickly becoming one of her biggest supporters.
Amy’s Grumpa was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 before doctors later discovered a rogue cancer cell which had spread to his lungs. After the cancer was removed, he continued attending annual check-ups at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, where he was later offered the opportunity to take part in a clinical drug trial.
George attended check-ups every three months, including regular bone scans, while taking part in the trial.
Amy said: “My Grumpa and Gran always spoke so fondly about Dr Balaji Venugopal and all the care, patience and support he gave our family over the years.
“My Grumpa was always such a big supporter of my running. He always joked about coming out running with me, although at 84, that was never going to happen.”
The trial would go on to give Amy’s Grumpa another decade with his family.
After nearly 10 years on the trial, doctors discovered nodules on George’s lungs and confirmed the cancer had spread. It was then the family learned he had been receiving the active cancer drug rather than a placebo.
Amy said: “Because of that trial, my Grumpa got 10 more years with us. He got to see me get married and meet his great-granddaughter, Amara.
“He got to be part of so many birthdays, holidays and celebrations that we’ll treasure forever. That time meant everything to our family.”
Amy completed the Glasgow Half Marathon and the Edinburgh 10K last year in aid of Strathcarron Hospice, who cared for her Grumpa at the end of his life.
After learning more about the treatment and support he received through The Beatson, she decided to sign up for this year’s Edinburgh Marathon in support of the charity.
She said: “I didn’t really know the full extent of what treatment he had been through until earlier this year, because my family were quite private about it all. Once I understood everything The Beatson had done for him, I knew if I was going to do this marathon, it had to be for them.”
Amy described her Grumpa as “the most doting grandad you could ask for” and says he would be incredibly proud to see her take on the challenge in his memory.
“He was a man of few words, but you always knew how proud he was of us. I know this would mean so much to him.”
Training for the marathon has pushed Amy further than she ever imagined.
“At the start of the year, I couldn’t run 5K without walking. My longest run so far has been 22 miles. It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I’ve really surprised myself.
“You spend hours on your own during training, thinking about the people you’re doing it for. That’s what keeps me going.”
Amy says supporting Beatson Cancer Charity is deeply personal to her family.
She said: “Beatson Cancer Charity means hope. It gives people a chance and brings people together who are going through similar situations. It gave me my Grumpa for longer.
“I can’t thank The Beatson enough for everything they did for him and for our family.”
Evonne Flisch, Community and Challenges Fundraiser at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “Amy’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference research, treatment and support can make to patients and families facing cancer.
“Taking on a marathon is an incredible achievement, and we are so grateful to Amy for choosing to support Beatson Cancer Charity in memory of her Grumpa. The funds she raises will help us continue providing vital care, services and research for people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.”
For anyone who would like to support Amy’s fundraising efforts for Beatson Cancer Charity, donations can be made through her JustGiving page here.
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