LEADING politicians have backed the Evening Times Beatson Pebble Appeal to raise £10million for a new research centre in Glasgow.

We launched our campaign by revealing that 54 people were diagnosed with cancer in the west of Scotland every day.

That amounts to nearly 20,000 people a year, half of whom live in Glasgow itself.

The Translational Research Centre would bridge the gap between two existing facilities, the Beatson Institute, which researches cancer, and the Beatson West of Scotland Oncology Centre, where patients are treated.

The new centre will let experts speed up the process of finding new drugs and better methods of prevention and diagnosis.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, who has visited the Beatson Institute and the Beatson Oncology Centre on a number of occasions, said: "So many of us know someone affected by cancer and the devastating impact it has on patients and their loved ones and friends.

"World-class facilities that keep Scotland at the forefront of research can only help redouble efforts to understand, prevent and treat cancer."

"This public appeal focuses our attention on the tireless, pioneering research into improving diagnosis and developing new treatments.

"I know the people of Glasgow will do what they can to support the Evening Times Beatson Pebble Appeal."

Iain Gray, Scottish Labour leader, said: "Finding cures for cancer must be among science's most challenging and pressing problems.

"Across Scotland and the world we see the tragedy of lives cut off too early, families torn apart too soon and people of all ages suffering painfully.

"People in Glasgow will be proud that the new centre can lead the way in relieving the suffering of Scots "I'm confident Glaswegians will respond with this city's typical generosity."

Jackson Carlaw, Conservative MSP for the West of Scotland and Shadow Minister for Public Health, said: "I visited the Beatson Institute only recently and to say I was impressed would be an understatement.

"Professor Barry Gusterson and his colleagues are doing outstanding work and I've no hesitation in urging Evening Times readers to back the Beatson Pebble Appeal.

"The success of this campaign will help secure advances in the battle against cancer, a battle it's in everyone's interest to win."

Robert Brown MSP, Liberal Democrat for Glasgow, said: "Cancer remains one of the big killer diseases in the West of Scotland and this campaign will support vital research, with the potential to save many lives."

Councillor Stephen Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "Cancer is a terrible disease that affects too many people from all walks of life and all backgrounds.

"Everyone is feeling the pinch in their pockets just now but this is a worthwhile appeal and people should think about supporting it." HOW YOU CAN HELP Donate online at www.beatsonpebble appeal.org Send a cheque, made payable to Beatson Pebble Appeal, to Beatson Pebble Appeal, No 2 The Square, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ To make a regular gift, call 0141-330 3000 or email office@beatsonpebbleappeal.org