Challenge
Beatson Cancer Charity supports patients, funds research, and trains professionals, treating around 8,000 new patients each year. The charity needed a digital platform that could do more than just provide information. It had to raise funds, support patients and families sensitively, engage volunteers and professionals, and reduce operational burdens. Timing was crucial, especially as COVID-19 increased isolation and heightened demand for trusted, personalised support.
The digital world is potentially hugely powerful for charities. An effective website can raise funds, publicise issues, share information and provide support - sometimes all at once. We were delighted to help BCC develop their site so that it achieves all of those goals, building in some unique and highly engaging features along the way.
Do you have a similar challenge?
Please get in touch to start a conversation about how our expertise can help your business thrive.
Solution
Equator partnered with Beatson to deliver a compassionate, integrated digital
transformation, anchored by an innovative new service, My Light.
The focus was on empathy, accessibility, and automation, without losing warmth or brand character.
- Rebuilt the website on Umbraco to reflect the refreshed Beatson brand
- Designed journeys for donors, patients, families, volunteers, clinicians, and media
- Simplified and automated the donation journey
- Integrated securely with the charity’s CRM to reduce admin overhead
- Launched My Light, a personalised digital support space for patients and carers
- Enabled tailored content, advice, and guidance based on individual needs
- Introduced human touches, including a virtual bell to celebrate positive milestones
- Delivered at pace to support patients during COVID-19 lockdowns
My Light - a sector-leading innovation
My Light is a standout feature and a significant innovation in the third sector. Developed in memory of Eilidh McHugh, who died at the age of 22 after battling a rare and untreatable cancer, the service offers personalised, practical support for patients and carers. It recognises that each cancer journey is different, enabling individuals to create their own secure digital space and access information relevant to their specific circumstances.
During periods of shielding and social distancing, My Light became an important source of connection for hundreds of people, helping reduce isolation at a time of extreme vulnerability.
Results
Strong positive feedback from patients, families, and supporters
Increased donations following launch
Reduced administrative effort for the charity team
Hundreds of patients and carers supported during periods of isolation
Outcome
Beatson now operates a modern, compassionate digital platform that supports fundraising, engagement, and care at scale.
My Light has set a new benchmark for digital support in the charity sector, strengthening trust, increasing donations, and extending Beatson’s reach at a critical moment.
Quot
Quote
“Everyone at Beatson Cancer Charity is immensely proud of this new digital experience - it looks great and we’ve received lots of complimentary feedback already. More importantly, we’ve seen an increase in our donations since it went live.” - Martin Cawley, CEO