Sep 042015
 

All things purple will be the name of the game this month as a leading north-east cancer charity urges people to adopt the colour in its support. With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus Mix.

CLAN pic2Singer songwriter Prince may have made it famous but purple is also at the heart of CLAN Cancer Support and it is encouraging individuals, businesses, schools and groups to get involved with its annual fund and awareness raising event.
Go Purple for CLAN is held throughout September every year and sees people throughout north and north-east Scotland adopt the colour for a day.

From lighting up a building, wearing purple and planning a purple party to dyeing your hair, selling purple cakes and creating a purple window or reception display in your business or shop, there is no shortage of innovative ways in which people can get involved.

The month-long event was first held in 2013 as part of the charity’s 30th anniversary celebrations, with schools across the region, as well as Marischal College turning purple in support.

Due to its popularity, the colourful day has become a main stay in the charity’s event calendar and Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, is encouraging people to take part.

She said:

“We’re looking for people to pick a date in September and show their support to CLAN. This could be in any shape from having a wear it purple day to holding a special purple only bake sale – the opportunities are endless.

“We’re looking for individuals, businesses, groups and schools to get involved and we’ve already had a number of places sign up to take part. Of course, there is a fundraising element to the month-long event but it is a really important awareness raiser for us as we want as many people as possible, throughout the areas we have a presence within, to be aware of CLAN and the services it can offer.

“Our own wellbeing centres, including CLAN House in Aberdeen, as well as our range of shops will also be taking part, with a range of purple items and clothing being stocked which could be a help to those looking to take part in their own business or school.

“This is one of our most fun organised events and gives people the chance to make a difference to the lives of those affected by cancer in the north and north-east of Scotland.”

Go Purple for CLAN packs and more information can be requested by emailing the charity’s fundraising team on fundraising@clanhouse.org

A dedicated Go Purple for CLAN donation page can be found here: http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/clan/gopurpleforclan2015

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, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Aug 212015
 

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

KODAK Digital Still Camera

The inaugural Mud Madness Aberdeen Event will take place at Lochter Activity Centre just north of the city on Saturday 24th October 2015, where participants will tackle a challenging course over the natural landscape and obstacles Lochter has to offer.
Mud Madness aims to cater for the whole family and will be offering 3km and 5km courses guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Lochter Activities Manager Sandy Duncan said:

“Lochter is really looking forward to teaming up with Mud Madness this year for the 2015 Mud Madness event. The team at Lochter are thrilled to be involved with the organisations behind the event and the many good causes that the event will benefit.”

Aberdeen Sports Village will lend its expertise and local standing to help promote the event within the region.

Kenny Gunnyeon, Business Development Manager at Aberdeen Sports Village said:

“Aberdeen Sports Village is delighted to be working with MLS and Lochter Activity Centre to bring Mud Madness to the North East of Scotland. I’d encourage anyone that likes a challenge to not hesitate and sign up now, we’ll be running some competitions and special offers in the run up to the day so keep an eye out for those. The event promises to be great fun for all the family and we look forward to a successful and enjoyable first event.”

On the partnership MLS Director John Timms commented:

“We’re really looking forward to working with Aberdeen Sports Village to make Mud Madness Aberdeen successful, we believe that by partnering with such a recognisable brand within the region, it will help grow the event into something that will benefit the region helping our charity partners with the work they do. I’d encourage as many people as possible to sign up now and support some fantastic causes.”

North East Scotland Charity CLAN and Marie Curie will be the official charity partners and they are asking people to go a little crazy to help raise funds by taking part in a new event Mud Madness Aberdeen.

As well as having participants running on their behalf CLAN will be present on the day as part of the volunteering team helping to run the event.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“The plans for the Mud Madness Aberdeen event sound fantastic and we’re thrilled to be involved with what is shaping up to be a great day out for all the family.”

Seonaigh Paterson, Partnership Manager at Marie Curie, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be involved with Mud Madness in Aberdeen and are looking forward to working alongside CLAN and Aberdeen Sports Village. Mud Madness is a great event for the whole family with proven success in Northern Ireland and we can’t wait to welcome Marie Curie supporters on the day.”

CLAN’s involvement in local events such as Mud Madness is integral to the success of the charity and funds raised from the day will go towards our provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north and north-east of Scotland. Your support of the event could make a massive difference. We really need people to sign up and run on behalf of CLAN and help us to continue providing our services in Scotland.”

Sign up to Mud Madness Aberdeen.

Adults 17+ (£30 3K-5K), Children 11-16 £15 (3K only).
3K Race – Start time, 10am
5K Race – Start time, 1pm

Mud Madness UK Links:

Facebook,
Twitter.

For more information about Aberdeen Sports Village and the facilities, activities and memberships they offer visit www.aberdeensportsvillage.com

Jul 102015
 

With thanks to Paul Smith, Citrus Mix.

Marie Curie teaEmployees at Codify had their cake and ate it too as they raised more than £200 for charity. The Aberdeen based software specialist hosted a Blooming Great Tea Party in aid of Marie Curie, which helps people with any terminal illness.

Staff at the company got into the baking spirit and treated clients and guests to a delicious selection of treats as they tested their tea knowledge with a fun quiz.

All the money raised by Codify will go towards helping Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care to people living with a terminal illness in their own home.

Emma Robertson, sales engineer at Codify, said:

“Hosting a Blooming Great Party is a fun way to get together with colleagues and friends and help a fantastic cause. The generosity of people and their empathy towards Marie Curie at our tea party was great to see.

“Everyone at Codify enjoyed getting some baking done and Marie Curie’s party pack was a big help in setting up the event, even if the tea quiz proved to be quite fiendish. We were pleased to have raised more than £200, which just goes to show the power of a good brew and tempting cakes.”

Codify’s tea party was one of many taking place across the country as part of the Blooming Great Tea Party campaign. Codify, established in 2000, builds custom software covering a range of business applications which include logistics, health and safety, recruitment and tool rental management. The company has become established as a specialist in the oil and gas industry.

Further info:

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading charity for people with any terminal illness. The charity helps people living with a terminal illness and their families make the most of the time they have together by delivering expert hands-on care, emotional support, research and guidance.

Marie Curie employs more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, and with its nine hospices around the UK, is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS. For more information visit www.mariecurie.org.uk

Jul 032015
 
Emily Findlay

Self-confessed supercar fan, Emily Findlay

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Citrus Mix.

A cavalcade of the world’s finest supercars will roar into action next month to raise funds for a leading north-east charity.

From Ferraris and MacLarens to Aston Martins, Porsches and Audi R8s, petrolheads are in for a treat when the annual SuperCLAN event descends on Aberdeen on July 12.

The gathering, organised by Scoro Solutions, was first held in 2011 and attracts the north-east’s most prestigious cars to some of the region’s finest roads to raise funds for CLAN Cancer Support, with more than £32,000 being raised over the past five years.

Susan Crighton, CLAN fundraising manager, said:

“The SuperCLAN event gets bigger and bigger each year and we are hugely grateful to Scoro for organising it. It really is incredible seeing such impressive cars being driven through Aberdeen, which is such a treat for both the passengers and onlookers.

“All money raised through driver entry fees and donations on the day will go towards supporting anyone affected by any type of cancer at any time, from diagnosis onwards. We are all looking forward to the SuperCLAN event, and are particularly delighted that Emily and Michelle Findlay, who are both service users, will get to enjoy it as passengers.”

Emily Findlay was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare cancer affecting children and young people, when she was just 14 years-old. After two years of treatment and a further 18 months of remission, the cancer returned last year. The 19-year-old is a self-confessed supercar fan and can’t wait to be a passenger in one of the luxurious vehicles.

She said:

“I was so excited when I was offered the chance to accompany a driver during the SuperCLAN event. I love cars and being given the opportunity to be driven in one is absolutely amazing. It will be a great spectacle for onlookers too and help raise money for CLAN, which is a cause very close to my heart.”

Also a supercar enthusiast, her mother Michelle is looking forward to taking part in the SuperCLAN event.

She said:

“I have been looking after Emily, mostly from home, since her diagnosis. I am a great supporter of CLAN as it has played a vital role in supporting us at times of need throughout Emily’s cancer journey. Emily is going through gruelling treatment at the moment and getting the opportunity to have some fun whilst supporting CLAN is very welcomed.”

The luxury convoy will leave the Scoro Solutions headquarters in Altens and follow a picturesque route via Kildrummy Castle before heading to Glenfiddich Distillery for 12.30pm, and finishing at the Hilton Treetops at 3.30pm. The general public is invited to have a look at the supercars at the Glenfiddich and Hilton Treetops stops.

Organiser Ross Gatt, director of oil and gas recruitment specialists Scoro Solutions, said:

“My colleague Scott and I are both extremely passionate about CLAN Cancer Support Charity and the services that they provide, and also have a shared love of supercars. It is fantastic that we have been able to enjoy our passion through this event and help CLAN at the same time. There is always a great atmosphere on the day and we are really looking forward to it.”

SupercarCLAN 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, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/SuperCLAN2015

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

Jun 252015
 
Clan walk

The CLAN Landmark Walk is a sponsored walk which takes in various sights around Aberdeen.

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Citrus Mix.

Walkers are signing up in their droves as preparation gathers pace for CLAN Cancer Support’s annual Landmark Walk.
The charity’s popular walking event, sponsored by Bond Dickinson, is returning on September 27 and will feature two routes of either 13 or 7.8 miles, taking in a variety of prominent sights throughout the city.

CLAN is now appealing for marshals and volunteers to come forward to help with a range of activities on the day itself.

An array of roles are available for those able to give up some time to help the charity, from handing out water to manning junction points and giving out medals and goody bags.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“The Landmark Walk has grown into one of our biggest fundraisers of the year and we are all really looking forward to it. We rely on the generosity and kindness of our volunteers who enable events like this to go ahead, and hundreds came forward last year to help us out. This was absolutely incredible and is something we are hoping to repeat.

“We have had a great response so far with the number of people that have signed up to take part in the event, and I would like to encourage even more to join us and raise money for CLAN. It really is such a fun thing to take part in, and there is always a fantastic atmosphere.”

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, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For more information about volunteering or taking part in the Landmark Walk contact Steph.dowling@clanhouse.org

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

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Jun 192015
 

Domino's Mini With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Citrus Mix.

Domino’s Pizza has made a delivery with a difference by donating a brand new Mini to a leading north-east charity’s fundraising campaign.

CLAN Cancer Support had initially appealed to businesses to sponsor the car by taking up five advertising slots before the fast food outlet generously stepped in to support the charity.

The public will be able to get a slice of the fundraising action as the Mini will be driven to a wide range of shows, exhibitions and shopping centres across the length and breadth of the north-east before being raffled off for CLAN.

Susan Crighton, CLAN fundraising manager, said:

“We were absolutely delighted when Domino’s Pizza came forward with the Mini. It is such a generous gesture which means a lot as the raffle is a hugely important fundraising event for us which gets a lot of support from the public.

“The car will soon be going on a fantastic tour of the north-east to sell tickets for the raffle, which will also be available to purchase from CLAN House or from our range of charity shops across the north-east.”

The draw will also be supported by the area’s Rotary clubs who have helped conduct an annual car raffle since 2000, helping raise over £500,000 for a variety of local causes in the process.

Ian Smith, owner of the Domino’s Pizza Franchise in Aberdeen and Inverurie said:

“CLAN is a charity that is very close to my heart. The staff at CLAN House do an amazing job supporting people affected by cancer and I am happy that I have been given the opportunity to help with their fundraising activities.”

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, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

Jun 112015
 
One Great Day

Craig Stevenson, manager of Bon Accord and St Nicholas, with Alfie Milne and his mother Tracy.

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Citrus Mix.

Bon Accord & St Nicholas has brought in thousands of pounds for two worthy causes after holding a day of fundraising.

The shopping mall marked the UK-wide One Great Day initiative at the weekend, supporting Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support.

The centre has now raised more than £8,000 for the two charities, with more donations still coming in.

Seven-year-old VIP Alfie Milne helped oversee proceedings on One Great Day, which included giveaways, food tastings, a bike challenge and a bouncy castle.

Alfie was diagnosed with lymphangiomatosis; an extremely rare and incurable disease of the lymphatic system causing tumours to spread throughout the body, in 2008.

The youngster has been receiving treatment from Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London, after finding it difficult to receive help in the north-east due to the rarity of the illness.

CLAN Cancer Support, which provides free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north-east of Scotland, also benefitted from the fundraising day. The charity offers a dedicated children and families service, providing a listening ear and activities aimed at helping both groups through a cancer diagnosis.

The centre had already been collecting for both causes, with a coin vortex donation point in place within the mall and a bouncy castle fun day which was held for the campaign.

Craig Stevenson, manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“We had a fantastic crowd along to One Great Day, who got into the spirit of the event and helped create a brilliant atmosphere in the centre. Our current running total of £8,000 has surpassed our expectations, and we are delighted to have been able to help two such worthy causes.

“Alfie and his family did a wonderful job opening proceedings for us, it was great to have them along, especially as we know how much Great Ormond Street has helped them. We are pleased to have also been raising money for CLAN, which does so much to help people with cancer throughout the north and north-east.”

Jun 112015
 

Colette BackwellfeatWith thanks to Paul Smith, Citrus Mix.

CLAN Cancer Support has appointed a new chief executive. The leading north-east charity will welcome Dr Colette Backwell to the role, succeeding Debbie Thomson after more than 14 years in the position.

Dr Backwell, who will officially join the charity later this year, has over 20 years’ experience in policy development, research, industry support and business management within the charity, public and private sectors.

Her previous roles include director with the Scottish Food and Drink Federation as well as a number of senior public sector positions in the UK and Scottish Governments and in local government.

She has particular expertise in the challenges of service delivery in rural communities.

Dr Backwell is a member of the Scottish Rural Policy Centre’s Advisory Group as well as a visiting professor in the Institute for Management, Governance and Society at Robert Gordon University. She also sits on the Scottish Committee of the Institute of Directors.

Kenny Anderson, chairman of CLAN Cancer Support, said:

“Following a successful recruitment campaign for the post, where the calibre of candidates was extremely high, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Colette Backwell as CLAN’s new chief executive.

“Colette’s vast experience within the third, public and private sectors really does speak for itself and I look forward to working with her when she links up with the charity later this year. Colette’s strengths lie within leadership and organisational management and I have no doubt that she is the perfect person to oversee the next stage of CLAN’s journey.”

Dr Colette Backwell added:

“It’s an incredible honour to have been appointed chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support and I look forward to playing my part in continuing its reputation as a leading provider of free cancer support services across the north and north-east of Scotland.

“I have a strong passion for the role that the third sector plays in supporting local communities and it is obvious that CLAN is held in high regard by so many people across the areas it operates within. It’s an exciting opportunity for me and one that I can’t wait to get started with.”

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 and 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, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

May 222015
 

CLAN logo2With thanks to Paul Smith, Citrus Mix.

Hundreds of runners have shown their support for a leading north-east cancer support charity by taking part in the Baker Hughes 10k road race on its behalf.

Over 115 individuals laced up their running shoes in support of CLAN Cancer Support at the popular event on Sunday (May 17), helping raise thousands of pounds for the charity with donations still flooding in.

Runners were also accompanied by charity mascot CLANCY who was taking part in the race for the first time. The charity also helped provide marshals to help with the event itself.

Organised by Sport Aberdeen, the beachfront run is the largest 10k race in the north-east and attracts thousands of participants on a yearly basis.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, was delighted with the support shown towards the charity.

She said:

“CLAN has had a presence at the Baker Hughes race for a number of years now and the support for the charity really has grown in tandem with the popularity of the event.

“Across the entire morning, there was a sea of runners donned in CLAN t-shirts making their way along the route and I’d like to personally thank each and every person who gave up their time to run for the charity at the race.

“Donations are still flooding in and all funds raised from the race will go directly towards our provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer. Participating in events like these on our behalf really does help us in all that we do.”

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, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

Apr 232015
 
CLAN Debbie Thomson

CLAN chief executive Debbie Thomson

With thanks to Phil Moar, Citrus Mix.

CLAN Cancer Support chief executive Debbie Thomson (pictured) is preparing to pass on the baton after more than 14 successful years with the north-east charity.

Mrs Thomson will stand down from the post in July and has been praised for her role in spearheading the organisation’s growth and cementing its reputation as a leader in its field.

Under her stewardship, CLAN has grown from employing a team of five to a staff of over 60 and has expanded its reach from Aberdeen to provide services throughout Aberdeenshire and Moray as well as in Shetland and Orkney.

Highlights included the planning, construction and launch of the £3 million purpose built CLAN House and CLAN Haven facilities on Westburn Road in Aberdeen in addition to a year of celebrations to mark the charity’s 30th anniversary in 2013.

Kenny Anderson, CLAN chairman, said:

“Debbie has been integral to everything that has been achieved during her time as chief executive. On behalf of the board and the entire CLAN family, I must thank her for her passion, commitment and forward thinking.

“We are grateful that Debbie has agreed to continue to enable us to benefit from her experience and expertise as a volunteer as well as accepting the invitation to become a valued patron. She has left a tremendous legacy and provided firm foundations for the next stage of our journey.”

The departing chief executive was appointed in January 2001 and had a clear vision to expand the charity’s role to provide support to anyone affected by cancer within its catchment area.

Mrs Thomson said:

“It has been a privilege to serve CLAN as chief executive and I’ll continue to support as a patron. After almost a decade and a half in the role, I feel now is the right time to explore other opportunities and embrace fresh challenges.

“I am proud at what we have achieved and overcome as a team and CLAN will always hold a special place in my heart. The ethos of CLAN has been ‘to comfort always’ and I believe we have fulfilled that aim through the efforts of our wonderful staff, counsellors, therapists and volunteers. I know that will continue to be the case.

“What we never lose sight of is the fact that the individuals and families we support are at the heart of everything CLAN does. My time in the post has been both a humbling and inspirational experience.”

The process has now begun to recruit a new chief executive to lead the charity in the next stage of its development.

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, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick. For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org