Outlander star Sam Heughan made president of cancer charity

Scottish actor Sam Heughan has been announced as Scotland President of blood cancer charity Bloodwise.

Yvonne, of Bloodwise, with Outlander star Sam Heughan. Picture: Contributed

Sam, 36, who plays Jamie Fraser in the hit TV series Outlander, has been a staunch supporter of the charity since 2011, most recently spearheading fundraising and fitness campaign ‘My Peak Challenge’.

The initiative galvanised Sam’s supporters to raise £225,000 to help fund a clinical trial that is testing treatment for one of the most aggressive forms of leukaemia.

He was announced president of the charity at a reception held at the iconic Lighthouse in Glasgow.

It is hoped that Sam’s role at the charity will continue to raise awareness of blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Sam, who was joined during the evening by Scottish blood cancer patients, researchers and fundraisers, said: “It is a great honour to be given this title and to have met the extended Bloodwise family and individuals who have contributed to research and helped to fundraise.

“They are making a remarkable difference.

“I hope to honour all those affected by blood cancer and continue the fight against this disease.”

Yvonne Dickson, head of regional fundraising, presented a hand engraved Scottish Quaich to Sam to celebrate the occasion.

She said: “Sam has been an incredibly loyal supporter of Bloodwise for a number of years. He has not only rallied his fans and supporters to help raise money for the charity, but his global profile has increased awareness of blood cancer and the work we do to improve the lives of patients.

“We are absolutely delighted that he has become our Scottish President and are excited to see what the future holds.”

The charity has a strong presence in Scotland, with over £6million currently invested in blood cancer research projects at Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities.