Son of 'hero' NHS doctor who died from cancer raises vital funds in dad's memory to help patients

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At the tender age of just seven, Louie Beausang lost his dad Pat to blood cancer - but 15 years on he says the much-loved doctor is still “forever my hero”.

Now the proud son is hoping to raise as much money as possible in his father’s name to help others battling the disease.

Pat, a consultant with NHS Forth Valley, lost his battle with leukaemia on August 16, 2009, aged just 43.

His death came just a few months after he celebrated 10 years of marriage to wife Cat, mother of his children Orla (then aged 10) and Louie, aged seven.

Dr Beausang was a consultant in geriatric medicine at Stirling Royal Infirmary from 2000 – 2009, and an annual lecture is held in his memory at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

In May of this year, son Louie, friends and Dr Lynsey Fielden, who was Dr Beausang’s geriatric registrar during his time at Stirling Royal Infirmary, ran the Edinburgh Half Marathon in aid of Blood Cancer UK.

And now Louie hopes to add to the fundraising effort with a very different event early next year.

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Louie told the Observer: “It was 15 years in August since my dad lost his sudden battle with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, and I felt compelled to do my part in raising both awareness and funds for Blood Cancer UK.

“From this the idea of running the Edinburgh Half Marathon came about where my friends, family and I completed this race and raised over £5,500 for Blood Cancer.

“I had the buzz for fundraising after this and knew I had to do more.

“Because of this I am hosting ‘The Pat Beausang Legacy Ball’ on February 22 at the Stirling Court Hotel. I aim to not only eclipse the amount we raised as a team earlier this year, but also continue to honour my dad the way he should be honoured by ensuring his legacy as a father, husband, friend, brother and colleague is known for years to come.

“Even though I only had seven short years of life with my dad, he is forever my hero and the person I look up to most.

“He was a man devoted to his craft, whether that be his role as a husband and father, in his job as a geriatric consultant or his main hobby, running.

“Everyone who knew my dad respected and loved him. Even now whenever I speak to people who knew of him I hear nothing but the greatest of opinions and memories.

“The Pat Beausang Legacy Ball will be a night filled with celebrations, fun, music, memories and new memories to be made all the same.

“Without Elaine Machray, a close family friend sponsoring the event with her company Stirling Fitness, I would have had a tough time getting the booking initially so I want to thank her for her role in this.”

Family friend Elaine said: “I was delighted and honoured to help when Louie asked if I could sponsor Pat’s Legacy Ball for Blood Cancer UK in February next year.

“I have been a friend of the family for many years and have seen this little boy grow up carrying the loss of his father, into a fine young man.

“I’m sure his dad would be very proud of him and the effort he is making for this important charity.

“This should be a great, fun evening so please come along and support Louie and his family in keeping Pat’s memory alive.”

Louie said his dad’s battle was the inspiration behind his drive to help patients “get through this horrific disease”.

“I specifically chose a running event, as out with his passion for medicine, my dad was a well-known, avid runner. As a teen, he excelled at running and joined a running club in Cork and ended up clinching first place in a very prestigious road race, boasting a time of 24 minutes in the ultimate 8k race.

“As he got older, he even managed to achieve a 10k time of 31 minutes.

“However, having always had his eyes set on his next challenge of competing in a half marathon, this was sadly taken away from him due to his early death at the age of 43.

“Blood Cancer UK is very dear to my family as it provided crucial help to dad and us, both during his illness and afterwards.

“At the tender age of seven, it was incredibly difficult for me to fully comprehend the gravity of what was happening.

“I feel a deep sense of duty as his son to take action and contribute to a cause that holds so much meaning.

“I aim to support other families who find themselves in the same position we were once in. I want to ensure that they have access to the necessary resources and support to navigate the challenges that come with blood cancer. By raising funds, we can help provide vital research, treatment, and improved care for patients and their families.

“My ultimate goal is to make a positive impact and honour my dad’s memory by helping others. I believe that by supporting Blood Cancer UK, we can contribute to a future where families can have their sick loved ones by their side for many more years to come.”

For tickets for the charity ball and more information, click here.

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