Cancer Archives - Page 5 of 9

Historic Swim To Raise Money For CLAN

Jun 302016

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

A leading north-east charity is appealing for volunteers to dive into the fast lane and be a part of a new swimming festival.

CLAN Cancer Support has two spaces available for Swim Serpentine, a new mass participation event organised by London Marathon Events which is held in and around the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London.

Swimmers will be recreating a bit of history as the beautiful venue hosted the open water swimming competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The swim on Saturday, September 24, is part of a two day festival, with the British Open Water Swimming Championships taking place the following day.

Participants must complete the one-mile challenge in a wetsuit or tow-float and will be released into the water in 18 groups throughout Saturday.

Susan Crighton, CLAN fundraising manager, said:

“Swim Serpentine is an exciting new event and we are thrilled to have secured places for it. Around 6,000 swimmers will be taking part and it will be so special to have CLAN supporters among that incredible number.

“The swim is taking place a week after the Paralympics finish in Rio so it will be special to be at a previous Olympic venue when Olympic spirits will still be high.

“We expect there to be a lot of interest as this is such a unique event so would encourage people to get in touch as soon as possible to secure a space. Swim Serpentine caters for swimmers of varying strength so this really is the perfect chance to take the plunge for CLAN and help us raise funds for our services across the north-east.”

For more information or to take part in Swim Serpentine please contact Darren Hill at CLAN to register on 01224 651034 or email darren.hill@clanhouse.org.

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

CLAN Cancer Support Raises Awareness Of Myeloma

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Jun 242016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

Diagnosed with a rare form of bone marrow cancer five years ago, John Boylan didn’t know anyone who had been through a similar experience.

With the support of his wife Christine, and his family, John went through treatment and therapy for multiple myeloma, not knowing what to expect or what lay ahead of him.

They often spoke of their wish for a local support group and gave encouragement to a former international athlete and CLAN Cancer Support patron, Mel Edwards, to make this a reality in 2014.

The Aberdeen Myeloma Support Group, led by Mel and supported by Myeloma UK, was established in September of that year and met on a monthly basis.

Mel had to hand over the leadership to John and Christine early this year, due to pressure of work, but he is still involved and helps to source guest speakers.

During Myeloma Awareness Week which runs from June 21 to June 28, John and Christine are hoping to raise the profile of both myeloma and the Aberdeen Myeloma Support Group.

As part of the week, CLAN Cancer Support is holding a Myeloma Awareness Day on Wednesday, June 22, which the couple are supporting.

John said:

“Most people feel overwhelmed when they are told that they have myeloma. It’s a cancer that very few people have heard about and it affects people in different ways. You go through many different emotions when you hear the news and although this is hard on the patient, it is difficult for your carer and your family.

“Christine had to adapt to the new role of carer, making sure that I was taking the proper medication, looking out for symptoms that could arise and generally looking after me. You never know what the next stage will be with myeloma, this can be very difficult.

“It is a tremendous comfort to speak to someone who is going through the same thing and that is one of the many reasons why we were anxious to encourage the setting up of a support group The group continues to help us so much and we would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness of the condition and let those living with myeloma know that there are people locally who can help.”

Multiple myeloma is a cancer which stems from plasma cells and affects multiple places in the body where bone marrow is normally active in an adult.

With around 4,800 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK, it is uncommon and there is currently no cure, however treatment can often help control the condition for several years.

CLAN’s Myeloma Awareness Day will give people access to up to date information, a variety of taster sessions and a guest speaker. Members of the Myeloma Group, which meets regularly at CLAN House, will also be on hand to discuss the condition and answer any queries from visitors.

Taster complementary therapies aimed at relaxation, pain and stress management will be held from 10.30am until 2pm, while ‘Move More’ sessions will take place at 11.30am and 12.30pm. All sessions will last 20 minutes and will be held at CLAN House.

Dr Mohammed Khan, Consultant Haematologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, will also give a talk from 2.30pm about ‘Secondary Immunodeficiency and its Management’ to which anyone is welcome to attend.

Christine, who helps organise the group, added:

“None of us had heard of myeloma before John’s diagnosis. It was hard seeing John so ill, there are good times and not so good times. Sharing your experiences with others going through the same thing can make a big difference and is such a vital line of support at times.

“Meeting up can be a nice break for people and also a chance to find out what has helped others. You find out more about the disease and the kinds of treatment that people are having. People are very friendly and we have all got to know each other.

“There is a lot of trust and support in the group as you end up talking about personal things. It is a very positive environment and we would like to encourage anyone to come along to CLAN for the Myeloma Awareness Day and find out a bit more.”

CLAN’s community bases throughout north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland will also be displaying information about Myeloma throughout Myeloma Awareness Week.

The Myeloma Support group is aimed at helping those coping with a diagnosis and their family members and carers, with the support of Myeloma UK, and meets monthly at CLAN House on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 2.30pm.

For further information please contact CLAN Cancer Support on 01224 647000.

Myeloma UK is the only organisation in the UK dealing exclusively with myeloma, a bone marrow cancer for which there is no cure. Our broad and innovative range of services cover every aspect of myeloma from providing information and support, to improving standards of treatment and care through research and campaigning.

For further information about Myeloma UK, visit www.myeloma.org.uk

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Walker Road Gets Ready To Bounce At Bon Accord

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jun 242016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

An Aberdeen primary school is jumping at the chance to take part in one of the city centre’s newest fundraising events.

Five classes from Walker Road Primary School have signed up for this weekend’s Big Bounce at Bon Accord which takes place within the roof garden above the St Nicholas Centre this weekend, June 25-26.

The enhanced area, which last year saw over £200,000 worth of improvements made to it, will see a total of eight inflatables installed throughout the course of the weekend, with the shopping centre appealing for both kids and big kids to join it on the day.

The pupils from Walker Road Primary will take part in a special fundraising Big Bounce on the Friday before the weekend, with every class bouncing for half an hour to raise funds for the event. Big Bounce at Bon Accord falls under the UK-wide One Great Day initiative and will this year raise funds for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity and Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support.

Gillian Graham, depute head teacher at Walker Road School, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting this year’s Big Bounce at Bon Accord and we’re looking forward to attending the Friday school session.

“The pupils have been busy collecting pennies which will go towards two very worthwhile causes and some have even been practicing at home on trampolines in preparation for the day itself. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic new event for the city and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“I’d like to thank Walker Road for its enthusiasm in supporting Big Bounce at Bon Accord and I can’t wait to welcome the pupils for their half hour sponsored session.

“All money raised will go towards our overall One Great Day fundraising total which will be split this year between CLAN Cancer Support and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity. Both causes provide invaluable support, advice and information to children and families here in the north-east so we’re delighted to be doing our bit on their behalf.”

As well as a range of inflatables and bouncy castles, the event will showcase various entertainment and music which will add to the party atmosphere throughout the two days. A selection of different food and drink stalls will also be present.

Attendees will be able to purchase tokens on the day for use of the inflatables, with all profits raised being split between both causes.

For more information, please visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com or the Big Bounce @ Bon Accord’s dedicated Facebook event page.

One Great Day is the brainchild of Bon Accord & St Nicholas owner BMO Real Estate and sees a range of local fundraising events held at its shopping complexes throughout the UK. All funds raised go towards Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and one other charity of each centre’s choice.

For more information on the day and school involvement, please visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com

Bon Accord & St Nicholas are at the heart of Aberdeen city centre’s retail sector, offering 840,000 sq ft of prime space and home to around 100 stores.

Scotland’s largest Next, Aberdeen’s only Topshop and Topman standalone store as well as the City’s largest New Look and River Island are among the key retailers, as well as H&M and New Look. Bon Accord also boasts a boutique store line up with retailers including Jigsaw, Hobbs, Phase Eight and Jo Malone.

The centres, which attract an average of 275,000 visitors a week, are owned by BMO Real Estate Partners and managed by specialist retail agency Savills.

For further on the centres visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com.

CLAN To Mark Father’s Day With Special Walk

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jun 172016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

A leading north-east cancer support charity is to hold a special walk to mark Father’s Day. CLAN Cancer Support will host its annual Father’s Day event within Aberdeen’s Westburn Park on Sunday, June 19, from 9.30am to noon.

The event gives friends, families and individuals the opportunity to walk a 1km route through the park in memory of a loved one on a day that holds great significance for many.

The walk itself can be completed as many times as an individual chooses, with an opportunity to be sponsored to do so also available for participants.

The Father’s Day event follows a similar walk held on Mother’s Day earlier this year after CLAN was inspired by Macduff woman and CLAN supporter Marjorie Nicholson who organised a sponsored walk after losing her son to cancer on Mother’s Day in 2007.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“Our Father’s Day walk is one of our most touching events of the year which was really born out of a need to offer comfort and support on what can be a difficult day for fathers, mothers and children.

“The aim of the walk is to turn the day into something positive for those who perhaps look upon it with a sense of trepidation. It’s a chance to remember loved ones and to come together with others to celebrate the lives of family members.

“Participants can choose to walk as far as they would like and the can also choose to get sponsored – but the day itself is really more than fundraising; it’s about a sense of togetherness.”

Registration for the walk is £5 and should be completed prior to the event. Children may walk for free but must be accompanied for an adult. For more details and to register, please contact Darren Hill on 01224 647000 or email fundraising@clanhouse.org

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

New Event Planned For City Centre’s Roof Garden

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

May 272016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

A unique new event is set to have Aberdeen’s freshest greenspace jumping for joy.

Big Bounce at Bon Accord takes place within the roof garden above the St Nicholas Centre on the weekend of June 25-26.

The enhanced area, which last year saw over £200,000 worth of improvements made to it, will see a total of nine inflatables installed throughout the course of the weekend, with the shopping centre appealing for both kids and big kids to join it on the day.

It’s one of a number of events planned that will utilise the garden’s space and bandstand throughout the summer months with a view to establishing the area as a go-to event location.

Big Bounce at Bon Accord will fall under the UK-wide One Great Day initiative and will this year raise funds for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity and Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support.

Attendees will be able to purchase tokens on the day for use of the inflatables, with all profits raised being split between both causes. A range of music and entertainment will also add to the party atmosphere over the two days.

Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“We’ve been busy devising a programme of events for within the roof garden in the summer months approaching and Big Bounce at Bon Accord is a main focus of this line-up.

“We’ve been looking to create a unique and different event that has the potential to become an annual occurrence and we think that our Big Bounce weekend fits the bill. We’re going to have nine inflatables installed over the two days – from bouncy castles to bungee runs – and we believe that this is the first time in the city that this amount has been in the same place at the same time; we’re really looking forward to welcoming people over the weekend!

“There is a fundraising element to the weekend, with both CLAN and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity being supported, but we really just want people, both young and old, to come along and join us for a day of family fun.”

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“CLAN is thrilled to again be involved with a Bon Accord & St Nicholas fundraising day. The support CLAN has had from the centre, its staff and those who shop within it has been so valuable to the charity over the last years and we simply can’t thank them enough for their efforts.

“We certainly haven’t come across an event of this type in Aberdeen before and we’re looking forward to what will be a fun-filled, worthwhile day.”

Schools are also being encouraged to take part in the weekend, with sponsorship packages available for classes to get involved. Participating classes will be assigned an hour session where they can come down and join in the fun. A prize for the class who raises the most money will also be awarded.

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

John Hartson Visits CLAN Cancer Support In Aberdeen

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

May 132016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

A leading north-east cancer support charity opened its doors to welcome a famous former footballer who himself has experienced his own cancer journey.
Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support welcomed ex-Celtic, Arsenal and West Ham striker John Hartson to its CLAN House base on the city’s Westburn Road.

John took time out of his busy schedule to see first-hand the services and facilities the charity provides, speaking with CLAN clients and meeting some of the CLAN staff and volunteers who are based at the facility.

Diagnosed with testicular cancer when he was 31, John formed his own charity, The John Hartson Foundation, in 2010, with the aim of increasing awareness of testicular cancer whilst helping raise money to support others affected by the illness.

The charity’s ‘Grab Life by the Balls’ campaign has continued to go from strength-to-strength, with males throughout the UK being shown a video featuring John sharing his own experience of testicular cancer alongside receiving advice and guidance on how they can check for early signs of the illness.

John Hartson said:

“Through my own experiences and work with The John Hartson Foundation I know how vital it is that people experiencing cancer have access to professional advice and support within their own communities.

“During my visit to CLAN I was impressed by the range of services provided by the organisation, across such a wide geographical area, and was pleased to be able to spend some time chatting with individuals the charity helps.”

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support, said:

“We were delighted to welcome John to CLAN House to see for himself the services, advice and information that we provide to our clients here in the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

“John’s cancer journey is inspiring and the work his foundation carries out in promoting the importance of checking for early signs of the illness is vital. Support from individuals like John helps us to continue to raise awareness of our services, especially to men, and for that we can’t thank John enough for his time with us.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

For further information about The John Hartson Foundation please visit www.johnhartsonfoundation.co.uk

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Teuchters v Toonsers: Mannies’ Fitba For Charity

Aberdeenshire, Sport No Responses »

Apr 292016

With thanks to David Innes.

Fans of Highland League are invited this weekend to enjoy a unique fitba experience and help raise funds for Maggie’s cancer care centres.
The team line ups have already been announced by each side of that notorious rivalry – Teuchters v Toonsers.

Taking place at 2pm on Sunday May 1st at North Lodge Park, Pitmedden, Highland League legends of yesteryear will pull on the boots in aid of Maggie’s where the football brains and banter will definitely be quicker than the legs.

Toonser team member Jerry O’Driscoll commented:

“If anyone is missing their football fix already, this Sunday May 1st, there will be a Highland League Veterans game in aid of Maggies cancer centre in Aberdeen.

“It will be the ‘toonsers’ versus the ‘teuchters’ over 35s game ( rules are not particularly strict here ) and will kick off at 1400 at North Lodge with admission being a donation of your choice.

“There will be bouncy castles and face paints for the kids as well as beat the keeper and ‘top bin’ for kids of all ages!

“Hoping the weather is good and am sure it will be a day of good banter with some average football thrown in!”

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Final Call For CLAN Annual Lunch Event

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Apr 142016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

A leading north-east charity has issued a final call for businesses and individuals to get involved with one of its most-popular events of the year.

CLAN Cancer Support’s annual fundraising lunch is set to take place at Ardoe House Hotel and Spa on Wednesday, April 20.

Individual tickets to attend the event, which has established itself as one of the charity’s most important of the year, are still up for grabs alongside the few last remaining table packages.

Alongside a two-course lunch, auction, raffle and a host of stalls for shopping, guests will also hear the inspirational story of Theresa Rollo, a CLAN client who herself was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006.

Theresa will share some of her thoughts on her journey from throughout the last 10 years as well as how she has tried to give something back to the charity that helped her, completing a range of events in support of CLAN including the charity’s own Landmark Walk and the London Marathon.

All money raised from the lunch, which is again supported this year by BP, goes towards CLAN’s provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“The CLAN lunch is a hugely important fundraising tool for us and always such a great event. Year-on-year we are delighted with the level of support shown towards it and we hope we can rely on that once more.

“This is a great opportunity for local businesses and individuals to make a tremendous difference to us by getting involved with the event. We are very flexible with options for support with both individual and table tickets available. All tickets sold ultimately help us raise money that will allow CLAN to continue the crucial work it carries out throughout the north-east.”

Those interested in purchasing a ticket for the event can contact CLAN’s fundraising team on 01224 647000 or email fundraising@clanhouse.org

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Aker Solutions Staff Drum Up Funds For CLAN

Aberdeen City, Charity, Featured No Responses »

Feb 292016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

Staff at Aker Solutions visits CLAN House in Aberdeen.

Kind-hearted staff at a leading oil and gas services company have helped raise more than £36,000 for a north-east cancer support charity after undertaking a year of fundraising events.

Employees from Aker Solutions took part in a host of activities throughout 2015 in an effort to raise funds for CLAN Cancer Support after Aberdeen staff selected the charity as their nominated cause for the year.

The campaign saw a range of challenges completed alongside various fundraising initiatives.

From a mini sports day, a sky dive and a ski trip to participation in the popular Tough Mudder event, a race night and bake sales, a variety of events were tackled with all funds raised set to be used by CLAN to aid its provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

The employees didn’t just stop at fundraising, with staff also volunteering their time at a number of the charity’s events throughout the last 12 months including its ladies afternoon and children’s Christmas party. CLAN has also been able to return the favour, showcasing a range of its services and providing information and advice at the company’s family fun afternoon and HSE week.

Aimee Ross, community ambassador at Aker Solutions, said:

“We worked closely with CLAN throughout 2015 and I’d like to thank our staff for their enthusiasm and willingness to support the charity in the last 12 months; to raise more than £36,000 is a fantastic total and testament to their efforts.

“I am particularly pleased that alongside the fundraising element of the campaign, we’ve spent time volunteering with the charity as well as being able to learn more about its offerings and services. There’s been a mutual benefit to the link-up and we’re delighted with just how successful it has been.

“Cancer is an illness that affects so many people here in the north-east and we’re proud to know that we’ve been part of CLAN’s quest to provide comfort and help to those who need it most within the region.”

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support, said:

“On behalf of all at CLAN, I’d like to say a massive thank you to the staff at Aker Solutions for their efforts throughout the year. To raise such an impressive amount of money is a fantastic achievement and one that they should be incredibly proud of reaching.

“Donations like these, especially in the current economic climate, are of great importance to CLAN as they play such an integral role in allowing us to reach out to those affected by cancer throughout the north-east of Scotland; the dedicated efforts of staff can make such a big difference and is of great value to the charity.”

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Glittering Night Of Music Raises Funds For CLAN

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Feb 292016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

A glittering evening of music, hosted by Aberdeen woman Carol Norrie, has raised more than £12,000 for CLAN Cancer Support.

The dinner dance, which took place at the Chester Hotel in Aberdeen, was the first fundraising event that Carol has organised for the charity.

Following the success of the event Carol said:

“My father, Dave Allan, was diagnosed with lung cancer in June. Following his diagnosis and treatment, I visited CLAN Cancer Support in Aberdeen and was really impressed by the services offered to individuals and families affected by cancer. I came away determined to do anything I could to help to make a difference.

“Many people I spoke to who had been affected by cancer were unaware of the services that CLAN offers, and some believed CLAN provided respite care. I wanted to do anything I could to increase awareness of the services offered at CLAN House and CLAN Haven.

“As a guitarist and singer from the age of 12, my father has a great passion for music so I saw an opportunity to base an event around music and invite local artists to attend. I was delighted when Oliver Richards, Colin Newbury and Cameron Jay agreed to lend their support.”

Carol’s family also has a special connection with CLAN Cancer Support, with Carol’s parents Dave and Marion having been married in Rosemount Parish Church, CLAN’s former Aberdeen base, in 1971, and both Carol and her brother, David, were also christened in the church.

Carol added:

“Our family connections with CLAN just cemented the feeling that I needed to do all that I could to support this fantastic charity. I was overwhelmed by the support from friends, family and local companies, and to raise more than £12,000 was a wonderful feeling.

“I certainly won’t be stopping there though, my husband now volunteers at CLAN and I’m already looking towards my next fundraising challenge. I don’t know what that might be but I already have lots of ideas!”

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support, said:

“We are delighted that Carol’s dinner was such a success and wish to thank Carol and her family for selecting CLAN as the beneficiary for the evening. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by Carol, her family and friends, towards CLAN is inspiring.”

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Older Entries Newer Entries