Macmillan Cancer Support Scotland

Age-inclusive cancer care can often be overlooked, but older people with cancer can face specific barriers, from frailty, access, functional decline and anxiety to social isolation and long waits for community support.

At the Beatson Cancer Centre, Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist Carly Rolston, alongside the Cancer Older Peoples Service (COPS), has been determined to change that.

Recognising the need for more equitable, age-inclusive care, Carly built on the existing work of COPS by embedding occupational therapy at its heart, designing and implementing a first-of-its-kind occupational therapist role in Scotland.
By involving her patients in conversations about their needs and wishes, alongside assessing function and providing a breadth of interventions, she has ensured the support they receive is holistic and patient-centred.

The service has expanded outpatient capacity, reduced delays in accessing therapy, helping to keep older patients at home and supporting them to navigate complex treatment decisions through realistic medicine coaching and practical resources.

By continuing to build strong partnerships across oncology, acute geriatrics, primary care and the third sector, Carly has helped shift older people’s cancer care from an ‘add on’ to an integral part of the pathway.

“This service is allowing us to do occupational therapy without borders,” says Carly. “It’s changing the way older people with cancer receive their care in this part of the world forever.”

Carly was recently nominated for Macmillan’s Excellence Awards, which celebrate the people improving cancer care across the UK.

As a finalist in the Equity Champion Award, we’re recognising her commitment to ensuring older people with cancer receive the personalised support they deserve.
Thank you, Carly, for putting fair cancer care into the heart of your work. 💚

For Billy and his family in Moffat, Macmillan has been there through some of life’s toughest moments, and now they’re taking on a new challenge to help make sure no one has to face cancer alone. Billy and his wife Anne have been part of their local fundraising group in Dumfries & Galloway for around 14 years. They first got involved after losing Billy’s mum, Sadie, who was supported by Macmillan, and later Anne lost her mum, Elizabeth, to cancer. In 2021, life changed again when Billy was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. After tests at D&G Royal Infirmary, it was confirmed he needed a stem cell transplant. Billy’s family was tested, and his son Alan was a 60% match, enough to go ahead with treatment.

Following Billy's tough chemotherapy, he then received Alan’s stem cells and with them, a share of his DNA. Billy then began the long road to recovery, rebuilding his strength with ongoing care and support. Having seen first-hand how vital Macmillan is, especially in rural communities, Billy and his family continue to give back year after year.

This year, their daughter Michelle is taking on her 7th Mighty Hike, while Billy and Alan are stepping even further out of their comfort zone by taking on the Port of Leith Distillery Abseil. Billy says,“Macmillan was there for my family when I went through treatment, and now it’s time to give back. Although I’m wary of heights, I’m looking forward to taking this on, especially with my son. He shared his DNA with me, so same DNA, same challenge.”

Find out more about Billy’s fundraiser: https://www.justgiving.com/page/anne-garrett-1
Every pound raised helps people across Scotland who are affected by cancer.