Skaters across the world to perform trick for late gran

Skateboarders across the globe will perform a trick in honour of a Scots gran who passed away from cancer.

Library information consultant Elaine Shallcross, who worked at the University of Aberdeen for more than two decades, dedicated her final years to raising vital funds for cancer research to support potential new treatments for the disease.

Despite undergoing gruelling treatment for breast cancer, which had returned after several months in remission, Ms Shallcross committed to learning the skateboard stunt ‘shove it’ despite never having stood on a board before.

Sadly, Ms Shallcross passed away on June 10 before she had a chance to perform the move, and just four months after she launched the Shuvit Cancer campaign.

To mark what would have been her 69th birthday this Friday, skateboarders from around the world have vowed to undertake the manoeuvre, which involves making the board spin 180 degrees without the tail hitting the ground.

Branding July 10 as World Shuvit Cancer Day, the university’s Development Trust will be cheerleading the skateboarders’ efforts by wearing the ‘Bressie Beanie’ hats knitted by Ms Shallcross as part of earlier fundraising efforts for the university’s cancer research.

Bressie Beanie: Ms Shallcross knitted the hats as part of earlier fundraising efforts.

Catherine Shanks, community stewardship officer, said: “It was truly inspirational to see her attempting to learn this difficult manoeuvre on the skateboard all while undergoing arduous treatment herself.

“Elaine was an absolutely exceptional woman whose kindness enriched the lives of all those who met her.

“You could not help but be inspired by her commitment and determination to create something good from a situation that was so difficult for her personally.

“She was absolutely passionate about supporting the important breast cancer research under way at the university in the hope that future generations will not have to face the challenges that she did.

“This enthusiasm was infectious and her legacy will live on and inspire many of us in the fight against this horrible disease.

“We will wear our beanie hats with pride to show she is in all our thoughts.”

To date, Ms Shallcross’ charity has raised almost £30,000 in support of cancer research at the University of Aberdeen.

To donate to the Shuvit Cancer campaign, click here.

To buy a knitted brassie beanie, email giving@abdn.ac.uk.