£10k First Bus donation helps Beatson patients reach vital cancer treatment

The operator, which runs bus services across greater Glasgow, Lanarkshire, and Aberdeen says the donation is designed to help ease the cost and stress of getting to vital appointments and ensuring those facing serious illness are not isolated by transport barriers.

The initiative has been launched in time for Christmas, to help families stay together over the festive period, even if they still need to travel for treatment. However, the funding has been designed to support families into 2026.

Beatson Cancer Charity provides life changing support for thousands of people every year, offering specialist care, research funding, and practical services. Travel costs are often one of the biggest pressures facing patients and families, especially when treatment requires multiple visits each week. The donation from First Bus will directly help those who would otherwise struggle with the cost of getting to hospital.

A patient who will be supported through the initiative explains “The help means I won’t have to choose between getting to treatment and being apart from my family. They can travel with me now, and that support makes all the difference on the hardest days.”

The £10,000 donation has been funded from foreign coins collected on First Bus’ Scottish network that cannot be processed for use. These small amounts of money can’t be reused but instead are converted by First Bus to support community causes and charities.

Ryan Sorley, Commercial Development Manager at First Bus in Scotland, said: “We’re proud to support Beatson Cancer Charity, helping patients and their families reach appointments and essential services more easily. At a time when people are already under immense pressure, removing the cost and worry of transport can make a real difference. This initiative ensures no one is isolated because of how they travel. We hope it brings both practical help and some reassurance to those who need it most.”

Laura Hadley-Stove, Director of Care Services at Beatson Cancer Charity, added: “First Bus’s donation will make a huge difference for the people we support. Many patients tell us that travel costs are one of their biggest pressures, particularly when treatment requires frequent hospital visits. This funding will help ease that strain and ensure families can stay together while continuing to access the care they need. We are grateful to First Bus for recognising this need and for helping us support patients at a time when stability and reassurance matter most.”