Beatson Cancer Charity names border collie, Simba, as 'ambassadog'

Beatson Cancer Charity supporters have voted for a rescue dog, who has been rehomed five times in less than two years, to be crowned the charity’s new Ambassadog.

Simba the Border Collie, who will be 2-years-old in December, was entered by his owner, Chris Maitland, after his mum was treated at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

The charity was inundated with entries which were narrowed down to the final four and Simba was chosen by the public in a social media vote to decide who the charity’s new Ambassadog should be.

The Ambassadog of the charity helps with duties including photoshoots and becomes the face of next year’s Off the Beatson Track 10K walk.

Newest ambassadog

Simba takes the crown from Teddi, the black German Shepherd from Falkirk, who has served as the Ambassadog since September last year.

Simba will now be the fourth dog to take the reins since the competition was introduced in 2020.

40-year old Chris, who lives in the west end of Glasgow, entered Simba following his mum’s treatment.

Chris rescued Simba late last year and the Border Collie has now found his forever home after previously being with four separate owners.

Simba has sat outside The Beatson on benches waiting for Chris’ mum to come out of appointments since her treatment and can usually be found on walks down Byres Road with Chris.

'Simba can usually tell what humans are feeling'

He also owns a Beatson bandana which was his first Christmas present from Chris last year.

Chris said: “Simba is from a rescue charity – Protecting Preloved Border Collies – he came along and seemed to fit the profile. They do a matching service for dogs and owners’ lifestyles and they thought he would be a good fit in Glasgow.

“Simba is very kind, loving, playful, has a big heart and can usually tell what humans are feeling.

“We’d seen the advert for the Ambassadog competition. My mum had wonderful treatment from The Beatson in 2021 so obviously it’s a charity we follow now.

“My mum had actually seen the advert too and we discussed it together. We thought given his back story and the personal connection, we would have a go at entering him and seeing how it goes.

“We stuck the entry in and didn’t think much more of it until we found out we had reached the final.

“It was my mum’s 70th birthday when we were told Simba had won, so she said that was the best present she could have had.”

'It's more than a silly competition'

Chris’ mum was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and has since finished treatment.

Chris continued: “My mum had breast cancer in 2021. It’s the first time it’s been that close to home in my family. I think the big C-word puts the fear of god in everybody. We were very lucky – it was caught quickly as all these adverts advise you to do.

“She had her operation and then she had radiotherapy at The Beatson and now it’s just yearly check-ups. She’s doing great.”

Chris says winning the Ambassadog competition means a lot to him.

He said: "It’s so much more than just a silly dog competition - it hits home, especially here.

“It’s the little Rocky Balboa story. Also, everybody that’s got a Collie knows they need to have a job, so this is his job now – we’re over the moon!”

'We're delighted'

A Beatson Cancer Charity spokesperson said: “We are delighted Simba has been chosen by the public as our Ambassadog for 2023-24.

“We had lots of entries to the competition this year, so we’d like to thank everyone for taking the time to put their dogs forward.

“Simba’s owner, Chris, has a really touching story which connects Simba with The Beatson, so we think he’ll make a marvellous representative for our charity.

“Simba takes the reins from Teddi the black German Shepherd and is now our fourth Ambassadog!”

Dog owners can support the charity by purchasing dog accessories made using Beatson Cancer Charity Tartan from the online shop.

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