Broadcaster Laura Boyd has teamed up with a brave Scots mum to launch this year’s Christmas carol concert for Cancer Research UK — with people across Renfrewshire being encouraged to show their support for the major festive fundraiser.
Tickets are now on sale for the event, sponsored by ScottishPower, which takes place in the grandeur of Glasgow Cathedral on Thursday 4th December. Money raised will help fund life-saving cancer research.
STV News entertainment reporter Laura was joined at the launch by Megan Campbell, who was just 33 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Megan and her four-year-old daughter Lily were presented with VIP tickets as they marked the start of the countdown to Christmas.
Cancer Research UK says around 34,800 people in Scotland are diagnosed with cancer each year. Survival rates have doubled since the 1970s, with research — including work taking place at local hospitals and at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute — playing a vital role in earlier diagnosis and better treatments.
Laura, who will host the carol concert, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in 2009 and still receives regular check-ups.
Laura said: “I am living proof that the work scientists do and the funding supporters raise goes to help save lives.
“I love everything about Christmas but it’s also a time for reflection. Sadly so many people are affected by cancer. The Glasgow carol concert is a wonderful opportunity to come together, to support each other and raise funds.”
Many Renfrewshire residents are expected to attend the event, which will open with a ScottishPower piper before performances from music star Nathan Evans, Saint Phnx, opera talents Gordon Wilson and Judith Howarth, the Zigzag community choir and the choir from the High School of Glasgow.
Photo: (Left to right) Lily Campbell, 4, her mum Megan Campbell and STV’s Laura Boyd at Glasgow Cathedral
ScottishPower is the event’s headline sponsor and has raised over £40 million for Cancer Research UK since launching its partnership in 2012.
Andrew Ward, CEO of Customer Business at ScottishPower, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved for Cancer Research UK through our long-standing partnership.
“Over £40m for life-saving work is nothing short of phenomenal. We’re determined we’re not stopping now and are delighted to support Cancer Research UK’s Christmas carol concert.”
For Megan, from Alexandria, this Christmas is especially important. She and her husband Stephen are already planning festive outings with Lily, including panto visits and breakfast with Santa.
Megan said: “I’m not letting cancer rule my life.
“We’re making memories that last a lifetime all through the year and that includes at Christmas time. Stephen has been by my side at every hospital appointment and Lily is such a loving girl. She is my best friend. We take many photos now to capture every single moment. Lily starts school next August and it’s wee milestones like that which I look forward to.”
Megan was diagnosed in May 2024, weeks before learning her cancer had spread. After six rounds of chemotherapy, she now receives ongoing treatment including Herceptin — a drug Cancer Research UK-funded scientists helped develop — and Phesgo injections every three weeks. Doctors at the Beatson currently report her cancer as stable.
She said: “I’m a proud part of Make 2nds Count, a charity dedicated to giving hope to people living with secondary breast cancer.”
Last year Cancer Research UK invested more than £38 million in Scotland, with research in Glasgow helping shape treatment and care for patients right across Renfrewshire — including those supported at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and the Beatson.
The Glasgow Christmas Carol Concert, organised by a team of volunteers, has raised more than £400,000 since beginning in 1999.
The event takes place on Thursday 4th December at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £45 for adults and £20 for children.
Tickets are available to buy here: https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/theglasgowcarolconcert2025.