Marti Pellow Performs at Beatson Centre for Breast Cancer Awareness

Former Wet Wet Wet frontman, Marti Pellow, performed a special rendition of the band’s 1994 hit “Love Is All Around” at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow. The performance was part of a charity campaign led by Lorraine Kelly, designed to raise awareness of breast cancer symptoms.

The event, held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, aimed to support Lorraine Kelly’s “Change and Check” campaign. This initiative encourages women to regularly check their breasts for any changes and emphasizes the importance of consulting a GP if anything unusual is noticed. The campaign, launched six years ago, has already impacted lives, including that of Mairi Milne, 55, from Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, who sang alongside Pellow during his performance at the Beatson.

Marti Pellow has personal connections to the center as his father, John McLachlan, was diagnosed there and later passed away in 2014 following a battle with cancer. “It’s quite poignant because my father was given his diagnosis here,” Pellow remarked at the event. “This is a very special place,” he added, acknowledging the center’s significance in the region’s healthcare.

During his visit, Pellow interacted with patients receiving treatments in the radiotherapy department and the Macmillan Day Bed Unit at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Gartnavel campus. He also met with staff members who provide crucial support to patients.

Former patient Gillian Shirreffs, 54, from the West End of Glasgow, presented Pellow with a signed copy of her book “Brodie.” Written before her breast cancer diagnosis in August 2021, the book’s proceeds will benefit the Beatson Cancer Charity. Similarly, the earnings from the rereleased charity single will go to Breast Cancer Awareness UK.

According to Cathy Hutchison, the Beatson’s cancer consultant nurse, having a public figure like Pellow visit was invaluable for raising awareness. “We were delighted to welcome Marti to the Beatson today,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of routine screenings and checkups.

Following his appearance at the Beatson, Pellow also surprised commuters with an impromptu performance at Glasgow’s Queen Street station. Accompanied by a piano, he led the crowd in a rendition of “Love Is All Around” before boarding his tour bus.