Tonic Arts

The sun is shining for our #CharityChampions who are taking on the Glasgow Kiltwalk this weekend! We are wishing them the best of luck and can`t wait to see the photos!

If you missed out on Glasgow why not join us at another location? https://nhslothiancharity.org/event/kiltwalk/ ...

Each year, around 840 people will hear the words no one ever wants to hear: a breast cancer diagnosis. And for nearly one in three, their cancer has already spread or returned.

But what if one day, breast cancer spreading or returning was a thing of the past?

When breast cancer spreads, every moment and every piece of knowledge matters. Behind the scenes is a dedicated team of consultants, surgeons, oncologists and researchers at NHS Lothian Charity’s Breast Cancer Institute who are making breakthroughs to improve and save the lives of breast cancer patients, now and in the future.

Charlene Kay has dedicated 20 years to breast cancer research and has recently completed three research projects as part of her NHS Lothian Charity-funded PhD. Charlene explained: “My work is focused on breast cancer recurrence and why many patients start out responding to treatment and then for different reasons, the cancer comes back, or their tumour stops responding in the same way.

“I specifically looked at breast cancer that had spread to the regional lymph nodes, located mostly under the armpits, as this is where breast cancer typically spreads to first.

“People’s lives are most affected when their cancer develops to secondary breast cancer, which is when it spreads to distant sites such as the bone, liver or brain. A key focus of our work is to find out what`s making the cancer spread. Once we can do this, we can figure out how to stop it.”

For patients whose cancer has spread, the right treatment can make all the difference, which is why research funded by donations to NHS Lothian Charity is so important.

“Cancer can behave differently once it spreads, and that’s what this research is uncovering. We’re monitoring changes in how the tumours grow and, importantly, in the markers doctors use to choose treatments, such as whether the cancer responds to hormones or to targeted drugs”, Charlene explained.

Breakthroughs are happening right here in Edinburgh, but research like this is only possible with help from people like you. ...

You`re invited! To our Tonic Arts and Green Health Joint Network Event: Delivering Together on the 13th of May at the Western General Hospital. This event is a platform for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and advancing positive health initiatives using creativity and nature.
Spaces are limited so don`t miss out! Sign up via our Green Health or Tonic Arts websites - or message us! ...

We are RECRUITING... for cheerers at this years` Edinburgh Marathon Festival!
Fancy taking in the atmosphere whilst cheering on our amazing runners? Or do you have a loved one taking part in the festival and want to cheer them on? Let us know as we would love to have you as part of our squad!
Sign up on our website or send us a message 📣 ...

We’re delighted to welcome Art for Health – Scottish Healthcare Collective to the Tonic Arts Gallery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, from 1 April–24 June 2026.

This powerful touring exhibition is part of the RSA200 celebrations and brings together visual artworks by @RoyalScottishAcademy Academicians, award winners and emerging artists, drawn from health boards and national art-in-health collections across Scotland. Exploring themes of identity, place, nature and colour, the works celebrate creativity as an essential part of health, healing and everyday life.

👉 Find out more about it on our website. ...

The weather is getting better, are you ready to step outside and take on a new challenge? Why not sign up for our Walk 100 Miles in June challenge! This way you can discover new places and enjoy being outdoors all whilst raising money and saying `Thank You` to our beloved NHS.

If you refer a friend you get a FREE gift! Sign up today on our website! 🎁🚶 ...

This May, 12 of our dedicated staff from across cancer services and research will be taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival Hairy Haggis Relay Race. (Making up 3 teams covering 78.6 miles in total!)

"We`re raising money for the Edinburgh Cancer Centre to support world-class cancer care for people in south east Scotland and further afield. Every donation will help enhance treatment, support services, and research opportunities for patients and families affected by cancer. Your support helps the Edinburgh Cancer Centre deliver compassionate, cutting‑edge care to people across the region when they need it most." - Euan Pettigrew, team member

Find out more & sponsor the teams on their Just Giving page. ...