Feb 072017
 

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

A charity ball will be held this spring in memory of a devoted mum and teacher. Caroline Thomson (pictured), of Portlethen, died last year, after courageously battling cancer for 18 months. She was just 38.

So far her loved ones have already raised nearly £25,000 for CLAN Cancer Support and Brain Tumour Action, and are now determined to add more to the tally with a party that coincides with her 40th birthday weekend.

The Ruby Ball will be held at Pittodrie in Aberdeen on March 3.

Guests will be treated to a drinks reception on arrival, a three-course meal and a disco. There will also be an auction – with prizes ranging from tickets to see comedian John Bishop at the O2 in London to a Manchester United shirt signed by star player Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Local businesses have also kindly donated prizes for the raffle, with treats from the Nicole Porter Gallery and Blueberry Moon in Aberdeen; the Beauty Boutique in Portlethen; and Trump International Golf Links Scotland at Balmedie among those up for grabs.

Caroline’s sister Shona Gossip, from Ellon, who is organising the ball, is urging people to snap up a ticket.

The 30-year-old said:

“Although this is a chance for my family to toast Caroline’s birthday, this is a party for everyone – not just those who knew her. It’s all about raising as much as we can for CLAN and Brain Tumour Action.

“Caroline was devoted to her family – husband David, and sons Callum and Robbie – and her role as head teacher at Cornhill Primary in Aberdeen, but loved to be with her friends too and having fun.

“We’ve all got some great memories of her hen night – when she and her friends dressed as the Village People – and her 30th birthday, which was 80s-themed. I hope we can make some more memories while remembering her in March, while raising money for two great causes.

“The idea for the Ruby Ball just came to me one day on the drive to work as I passed the turn-off for her school and the hospital. Caroline had a love for all things red, and had pretty distinctive red streaks through her hair for years. Combined with it being her 40th this year, it all just fell into place.

“Caroline was really philosophical throughout her illness, and just used to say ‘it is what it is’ but she used to worry about being forgotten. Through the Ruby Ball, and the amazing fundraising efforts of others, we won’t let that happen.”

Mrs Thomson was first diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2014, and underwent gruelling chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a mastectomy.

Sadly the cancer returned in summer 2015, with a scan showing a mass on her brain. Despite surgery and more radiotherapy, doctors broke the news the tumour was inoperable.

Mrs Thomson threw everything into making it to Christmas, and spending as much time as she could with her boys. She was also determined to ensure they were looked after even after her death, and was adamant that CLAN should be involved in offering support.

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN, said:

“Caroline’s family are truly an inspiration and we would like to give our heartfelt thanks for all the money and awareness they have raised so far. To turn such difficult circumstances into such a positive and raising money to help us support other families throughout the north-east, is absolutely incredible.

“The Ruby Ball is sure to be a great success and will be a lovely opportunity for Caroline’s family and friends to celebrate her life with other guests.”

Tickets for the ball are on sale now, priced £49. To find out more, or to buy – or to donate a raffle prize – visit www.facebook.com/rubyballaberdeen, e-mail rubyballaberdeen@gmail.com or call 07515 349890.

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Jan 192017
 

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

A new outreach service will be launched in Aberdeen this month by one of the north-east’s most established charities.

CLAN Cancer Support has a permanent presence in 13 towns and cities across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, ensuring communities have local access to emotional and practical support for those affected by cancer.

The charity is now embarking on a drive to reach the heart of the community in Aberdeen by holding drop-in sessions in a number of health centres across the city from Monday January 16.

The relaxed and informal sessions are open to anyone and will enable the public to get information and support from trained CLAN volunteers. Visitors do not have to be a patient at the health centre to access the charity’s new offering.

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN, said:

“CLAN is keen to reach out to people in Aberdeen who might be unsure about what we offer as a charity, or who could feel initially that CLAN is not for them.

“We want to bring CLAN to the people and be a supportive and listening ear whenever it is needed. These sessions will offer information and support as well as a signposting service to other organisations or to ourselves at CLAN House, in what we hope is a very accessible option for the public.

“This is working hand-in-hand with our presence in communities across the north-east and all sessions are open to anyone affected by cancer. The health centres we are piloting this initiative with have been incredibly supportive as we worked hard to make this a reality and I would like to thank them for all of their assistance.

“We want people to know that if they need emotional support and advice, it is available and we are here to help in whatever way we can.”

Sessions will be held once a week at three health centres in Aberdeen at the following times: Garthdee Medical Group, Tuesday, 9.30am to 12.30pm, Calsayseat Medical Practice, Wednesday, 9.30am to 12.30pm, Kincorth Medical Practice, Wednesday, 1pm to 4pm.

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

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

Issued by Citrus:Mix on behalf of CLAN Cancer Support. For more information please contact Jessica Murphy on 01224 063010 or e-mail jessica@citrusmix.com

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Jan 192017
 

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

CLAN Cancer Support is appealing to members of the public to help it raise extra funds by donating any unwanted Christmas presents.

The charity is on the hunt for donations, which can be handed in at CLAN House on Westburn Road in Aberdeen, or at any of its charity shops throughout the north-east.

Steph Dowling, CLAN Senior Fundraising Coordinator, said:

“We would love people to think of us if they have received either duplicate or unwanted gifts at Christmas and are having a clear-out.

“Donating these to CLAN gives them a new lease of life and helps us with raffle prizes for events or stock for our charity shops. We had a great level of support to our request last year and hope that this year will be no different.

“From books and clothing to toys, decorations, shoes and household items; we are searching for a wide variety of items. While the majority of the goods we sell are second-hand, they are always of a high quality and people can find real one-offs without spending a lot of money.”

All funds raised in the charity’s shops support the provision of free support and wellbeing services for anyone affected by cancer across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

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

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

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Dec 232016
 

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

Members of the public are being urged to snap up the final tickets for a draw which will see one lucky person take delivery of a new Mini, while raising funds for leading north-east cancer charity CLAN Cancer Support.

The car, which was kindly part-sponsored by Domino Pizza, is on show in the Bon Accord & St Nicholas shopping centre in Aberdeen prior to finding a new owner in the charity’s Christmas Eve raffle draw.

The draw is also being supported by the area’s Rotary clubs who have helped conduct an annual car raffle since 2000.

People will be able to put themselves in the running to win the Mini by buying a ticket at CLAN’s base on Westburn Road in Aberdeen, or in the Bon Accord mall.

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN, said:

“Tickets for the Mini raffle have been sold throughout 2016 at everything from coffee mornings to agricultural shows and the Rotary stand in the Bon Accord Centre. As well as raising vital funds for CLAN, the raffle also helps to raise awareness of CLAN’s services throughout north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

“We would like to thank Domino Pizza for kindly sponsoring the car this year, the Rotary Clubs for their continued support and everyone who has purchased a ticket to date – it really means a lot to us.

“Tickets for the raffle can also be bought from CLAN House, Bon Accord or from our range of charity shops across the north-east so we really are hoping that people will show their support to the prize draw. You never know, you might just be the lucky one!”

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, Buckie, Elgin, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Dec 162016
 

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

Seona Shand, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce. Pic: Donald Stewart

CLAN Cancer Support is delighted to announce a number of appointments to its board of directors. Leigh Stott, Stuart Cochrane and Seona Shand have joined the charity’s board and Andrew Lawtie has taken on an ambassadorial role.
The board is responsible for the continuing development of support services on offer, with each member bringing forward their own personal expertise and knowledge in a specific area.

Managing director at Hunter Adams Limited, Leigh wanted to give something back to the charity that helped support her mother.

Since joining Hunter Adams, Leigh has worked with organisations in over 20 sectors, gaining a wealth of experience in human resources.

Leigh Stott said:

“I lost my mum to cancer 23 years ago.  This was my first introduction to CLAN and the support she received during this difficult time was outstanding and something that I will always be grateful for. 

“The impact of a cancer diagnosis can have such far reaching impact on the individual and their families and friends, but the service and support CLAN can provide during such a difficult time can be an enormous help.

“I am looking forward to working with CLAN and sharing my knowledge and experience from an HR and business perspective. For me it is about continuing to help CLAN raise awareness through the local community but also supporting the team in their annual fundraising goals.”

Stuart Cochrane, director of FWB Park Brown, has more than 25 years’ experience within the energy industry where he progressed to senior management level in both the USA and Europe.

Stuart joined Park Brown International as a Director in 2002, acquired the company in 2008 and in 2013 joined the board of FWB Park Brown on its merger with FWB.

He said:

“I’m delighted to be joining the CLAN board and I am very much looking forward to using my professional expertise to help the charity.

“I have had recent experience of the invaluable support that CLAN provides during and after cancer treatment and it is my aim to help it achieve its ambitions to grow without compromising on the levels of support it provides.”

Seona Shand, Membership Network Manager at the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, is looking forward to using her experience to help the charity. She previously worked as Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Inspire.

Seona said:

“As I’ve worked as a fundraiser in the third sector for over ten years I completely understand the difficulties in having to raise awareness and much-needed funds to ensure that the work of charities such as CLAN can continue for years to come.

“If I can do something positive and put my skills to good use in order to make the lives of those living with or affected by cancer as positive an experience as possible then I will have achieved all I can.”

Andrew Lawtie joins the charity in a specially created role of Children and Family Services ambassador.

He said: 

“I am delighted to become CLAN’s ambassador for Children and Family Services and to support the organisation in its invaluable work.

“My motivation to help stems from my own personal experiences of living and dealing with cancer. My son Stuart was diagnosed with terminal colorectal cancer and sadly died at the age of 27.”

Andrew has a wealth of experience across the public, private and third sectors.  For the past five years, he and his wife Sheila have organised and delivered a successful national conference ‘Managing the Challenges of Cancer in Children and Young People’.  These have been held in various Scottish locations in memory of Stuart.

CLAN Chairman, Kenny Anderson said:

“I am very pleased to welcome Leigh, Seona and Stuart to the Board. As a local charity providing support services in the heart of communities throughout Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney and Shetland it is essential we maintain a strong, robust and diverse Board particularly in these challenging economic times.

“These appointments strengthen the Board’s skillset to allow us to support CLAN’s senior management team, the staff, our hundreds of volunteers and of course, most importantly the individuals and families from these communities who benefit from our services.”

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

“CLAN is fortunate to have a number of committed, experienced ambassadors. For the first time, however, CLAN has appointed a dedicated children and families’ ambassador to support and highlight CLAN’s commitment to supporting children, teenagers and their families. In Andrew, we have found someone who can bring personal experience to help develop and promote the service.

“Our board members all give their time and expertise freely and I am looking forward to working closely with them and utilising their experience to ensure that CLAN remains a leading charity provider of cancer support services in the north-east, Orkney and Shetland.”

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Dec 162016
 

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

A leading north-east charity is appealing for fearless souls to undertake a popular Boxing Day dip on its behalf.

CLAN Cancer Support is taking part in the Nippy Dippers swim at Aberdeen beach on Boxing Day and is again looking for a group of hardy volunteers to help raise funds for the charity.

All money brought in from the popular event organised by Aberdeen Lions Club helps CLAN provide free cancer support services across the north-east of Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“The dip is a great example of really challenging yourself to do something for charity and we would be delighted for people to come forward to take part on behalf of CLAN.

“The event has really grown in popularity in recent years and despite the freezing conditions, we are always thrilled with the response we get from participants keen to support us.

“The atmosphere on the day is fantastic and I would urge anyone interested in taking part to get in touch with us to find out more. “

The event begins at 10.30am on Boxing Day. For further information please contact CLAN’s Aimee Nekrews on 01224 651034 or email aimee.nekrews@clanhouse.org. Registration is highly recommended to ensure a place.

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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Dec 062016
 

CLAN logo2With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

People from across the north-east joined forces at the weekend to raise thousands of pounds for a leading cancer support charity at its largest fundraising event of the year.

A total of 230 guests raised £38,600.00 at CLAN Cancer Support’s Christmas Cracker which was held at Ardoe House Hotel and Spa on Saturday, November 26.

The annual fundraising event, which sees individuals and businesses from across the north-east come together in support of the charity, included a drinks reception, three-course dinner, entertainment and dancing.

The Kilted Chef Craig Wilson from one of Aberdeenshire’s leading fine-dining restaurants, Eat on the Green, donated one of the main prizes for auction on the evening.

His VIP Pop-up Party package raised £7,500 and the winner will be treated to a luxury meal prepared by Craig at a location and date of their choice. The prize also includes a butler service as well as a singer and a piper.

The money raised on the evening will go towards the continued development of the wellbeing and support services offered by CLAN, free of charge, to anyone affected by cancer across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

Dr Colette Backwell, CLAN’s chief executive, said:

“Our annual Christmas Cracker Ball is always very popular and it was great to see such a great turnout at Ardoe House Hotel and Spa on the night.

“It was a terrific evening, with the event bringing the magic of Christmas alive, and we are truly grateful to each individual and organisation that supported the event and helped to raise such a fantastic total by the end of the night.

“The money raised will help us deliver vital cancer support services right in the heart of communities from Stonehaven in the south to Orkney and Shetland in the north.

“We are committed to providing this support as close to the heart of communities as we can so that we make a difference to as many people as possible who are affected by a cancer diagnosis. The continued support of our fundraising events by so many people and businesses across the region means so much to us all at CLAN.”

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Nov 252016
 

CLAN logo2With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

It began life in 1983, founded by a group of passionate individuals determined to improve cancer services across the region.

From its beginnings in Aberdeen’s Justice Mill Lane to the purchase of the former Rosemount Church at Caroline Place in 1994, CLAN Cancer Support has come a long way since it was first conceived.

The charity is now celebrating five years since it moved into its purpose designed premises at CLAN House on Westburn Road, and is reflecting on how its service provision both in Aberdeen and many other communities, has developed during this time.

Following the launch of a £3 million fundraising campaign in 2008 to fund its new headquarters in Aberdeen, CLAN has also invested in the provision of services within the heart of local communities, developing a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Buckie, Stonehaven and Turriff on the mainland as well as on Shetland and Orkney.

In addition to the local bases, the charity’s bed and breakfast facility, which was first established when CLAN was based at Caroline Place, was able to expand with the opening of CLAN House.

CLAN Haven is a purpose built facility offering 27 en-suite bedrooms as well as a fully equipped kitchen and dining area and relaxing communal areas offering accommodation for people travelling from out with the city for treatment and appointments at Aberdeen hospitals. Family members are also welcome to stay, and the facility has become a crucial part of CLAN’s service offering.

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN, said:

“As we mark five years in CLAN House this is a poignant time to reflect on how far CLAN has come in that time. Since CLAN’s humble beginnings there has always been a great sense of community and this fifth anniversary is about celebrating that.

“We have a tremendous team spanning volunteers, supporters and staff which plays an incredibly important part in the CLAN network. Together everyone works tirelessly with the aim of bringing the highest quality support to where it is needed most and addressing local community needs as they change and develop.

“The fundraising campaign that allowed us to first open the doors of CLAN House was a fantastic achievement for us and the hard work has continued since then. We continue to build on our fundraising efforts each year in order to support work across the north-east as we do our upmost to assist anyone who has been affected by a cancer diagnosis.

“Our previous centre was a very special place and we were able to build aspects from the church into our new base – sections of stained glass windows and other features for example – to ensure such an important part of our history was taken with us as we started the next chapter of CLAN’s development.

“CLAN House has allowed us to expand to meet changing needs and continue to look towards the future. The extension of the Haven in particular was crucial, as it is a unique facility which benefits people from far and wide and provides a home from home in a relaxed but supportive atmosphere. This, alongside the growth of our outreach services, has brought our offering closer to people, with greater availability of crucial cancer support services in the heart of communities.”

CLAN’s children and family service has also grown in the five years since the charity moved into CLAN House, expanding its reach to include support in a number of CLAN’s community bases – all of which allow it to provide a crucial range of support to children, young people and their families.

Whether in the community or at one of CLAN’s centres, the team offers a dedicated and confidential service that allows children, young people and their families to share thoughts and fears they are experiencing as a result of a cancer diagnosis.

Dr Backwell added:

“The communities that CLAN works within really are at the heart of the charity. We are committed to ensuring that we are providing the services and support that people need to find comfort through a cancer diagnosis. We will continue to work towards meeting that aim and taking on board feedback from the areas we currently serve.

“It is incredible to think about how much has been achieved in the past five years and we are determined to build on this success. We are passionate about maintaining our relations with communities, and ensuring that CLAN continues to provide the support required in the heart of local communities for years to come.”

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, Buckie, 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

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Nov 142016
 

CLAN logo2With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

A leading north-east cancer support charity has asked businesses and members of the public to donate prizes for its largest fundraising event of the year.

CLAN Cancer Support’s annual Christmas Cracker event, The Nutcracker, will take place at the Ardoe House Hotel and Spa on the evening of Saturday, November 26.

The successful fundraiser, which sees individuals and businesses from across the North-east come together in support of the popular charity, includes a drinks reception, three-course dinner, entertainment and dancing.

Last year’s event raised more than £83,000 and businesses and members of the public have been asked to donate gifts and prizes for fundraising activities on the night.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“We’ve had a fantastic response to our Christmas Cracker fundraising event from across the north-east.

“Throughout the night we will be running a tombola, a silent auction and a live auction to help us raise as much money as possible so we can continue to provide our free services to those who have been affected by cancer.

“From luxury ‘money can’t buy’ prizes to gifts of around £10 or more, we would be delighted to hear from businesses and members of the public who would like to donate a prize to help support the vital work we do for people across the north and north-east of Scotland.”

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

To donate a prize or for more details about CLAN’s Christmas Cracker, please call 01224 647 000 or email jackie.craig@clanhouse.org

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Oct 062016
 

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

clan-keith-1

L to R – Eileen Eunson, Maggi Stannard, Jill Bremner, Moyra Hunter, Leanne Bruce, Derrick Henderson, Dolina Bell  and Steph Dowling.

The fundraising efforts of family and friends of a north-east woman has resulted in £11,000 being handed to CLAN Cancer Support.

Family and friends of Keith resident, Morag Henderson, who sadly passed away in October last year, embarked on a number of fundraising efforts to thank the charity for the support given to Morag and her family while she attended Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for cancer treatment.

Events included a garden party, raffles and fundraising within Tesco’s Keith store, where Morag had worked for 21 years.

Staff at the store also undertook the 26 mile ‘Fish Wives Walk’ to further boost the fundraising. The group’s donation also includes £1,800 which was received at Morag’s funeral.

Derrick Henderson, Morag’s husband, was amazed at the local support received, so much so that the garden party is to become an annual event.

He said:

“When we first spoke about hosting a garden party to raise funds for CLAN we had no idea how big it would become. We were totally overwhelmed by the offers of support and help and the turnout on the day was just amazing – even though it was snowing at times!

“CLAN helped Morag and our family so much during our trips to Aberdeen. To have somewhere to break the long journey by staying in CLAN Haven, speak to other people who were also going through treatment for cancer or access CLAN’s therapies and support was so important to us.

“By raising what we can, we all hope that we can do our bit in ensuring that the charity can continue to support others in the fantastic way it supported us.”

However, this donation is not the end, with the group already looking to other fundraising efforts including a recipe book, dance, tombola and mammoth 100-mile cycle setting off in Ballater and tackling some of the area’s steepest climbs.

Steph Dowling, CLAN Cancer Support’s Senior Fundraising Coordinator, was delighted to meet the group and thank them for their donation.

She said:

“The community spirit shown by the community in Keith in supporting the group’s fundraising is really special and to hear that they already have more fundraising plans is fantastic. It was lovely to meet everyone to hear how much CLAN helped Morag and her family during difficult times and their desire to give something back to CLAN is heart-warming. We cannot thank the group enough for their support.”

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 more information about CLAN Cancer Support, please call (01224) 647000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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