From Heartbreak to Hope: Brian's mission to raise awareness and funds after losing his father to cancer - Cancer Research UK

Brian, 51, from Hamilton, is a Health and Safety Manager at ScottishPower Renewables, overseeing operational wind farm sites across the UK and Ireland. A devoted husband and father to three daughters — Lauren, Maria, and Carla — Brian is now channelling personal grief into a powerful campaign for cancer awareness and research.

Brian’s father, Tom, was a proud Blantyre man who began his working life in the steelworks before joining the police force, where he served until retirement. In his later years, Tom became a full-time carer for his wife, Elizabeth, who suffered from dementia and other health conditions. His dedication was unwavering, refusing to place her in a care home even as her needs became more complex.

After his wife’s passing in October 2024, Tom’s health began to decline. Initially thought to be grief and a back injury, his symptoms worsened. By March 2025, scans revealed widespread cancer — lesions in his pancreas, lungs, liver, kidneys, bones, and lymph nodes. Diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, Tom’s condition deteriorated rapidly. Despite efforts to begin treatment, he was too weak to proceed and was eventually admitted to St Andrew’s Hospice in Coatbridge, where he spent his final four weeks with Brian by his side.

Brian’s advice

“It was a tough journey,” Brian reflects. “We thought it was depression or an old injury, but cancer had likely been there for some time. My dad had received treatment for throat cancer 7 years ago but recovered well and had been back to a fairly active lifestyle.”

His passing this August left a deep void — especially at Celtic Park, where he and Brian shared many match days. “There’s an empty seat next to me now. Telling the lads he wasn’t coming back was heartbreaking.”

To mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, Brian is now urging others, especially men, to take their health seriously. “Don’t try to be manly. If something feels off, get checked. It could be nothing — but it could save your life. My dad initially went to see his GP for back pain which led to further scans!”

Providing hope for others

The experience has also deepened Brian’s commitment to supporting cancer research. “If Dad had been diagnosed sooner, maybe there were treatments that could have helped. Supporting Cancer Research UK could help unlock future breakthroughs — including for those at stage 4.”

As part of ScottishPower’s sponsorship of Race for Life, Brian has previously taken part in Pretty Muddy with his wife and daughters. But in honour of his dad and other family members who have faced cancer, Brian is going further.

In 2026, Brian and his brother-in-law Joe Mitchell who also works for Scottish Power Renewables, will cycle will from Land’s End to John O’Groats — 140 miles a day for seven days — to raise funds for Cancer Research UK, St. Andrew’s Hospice who cared for Brian’s dad in his final weeks, and Brain Tumour Research as Joe’s sister has a stage 4 brain tumour. They hope others will join them for parts of the journey.

Brian’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, research and community support. His message is clear: “We can’t change what happened to my Dad, but we can help change and influence what happens next for someone else.”