Health Archives - Page 12 of 31

Aboyne Resident Celebrates Mini Win

Jan 142016

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

(left to right): Susan Crighton, CLAN fundraising manager, Bob Anderson, Mini winner, Alan Pirie, of the Aberdeen and North East Rotary Clubs.

A north-east man whose wife was helped by cancer charities has become the winner of a Mini in a popular annual fundraiser.
Bob Anderson, of Aboyne, bought the winning ticket in the raffle, organised by CLAN Cancer Support and Rotary Clubs throughout the north-east of Scotland, on the spur of the moment on the day of the draw at the Bon Accord and St Nicholas centre in Aberdeen.

His win has been made all the more special as he lost his wife Maureen to breast cancer in July last year (2015), with the pair always doing their bit to support local cancer charities.

He said:

“I didn’t believe it when I got the call from the Rotary initially, I thought someone was playing a hoax. It was Susan Crighton of CLAN who then phoned later and I saw her name in the paper so I thought then it must be real. It is a great start to the New Year for me.

“My wife Maureen died of breast cancer in July. She was helped by a number of cancer charities with her care, we always tried to support their fundraising efforts however we could, and buying raffle tickets here and there.

“It was amazing that my ticket turned out to be the winning one, especially as I bought it on the day. I had bought one earlier on at Pittodrie. Local charities like CLAN make such a difference to people and I think it is very important that they are supported.”

More than £56,500 was raised through tickets sale, with the final overall total still being calculated. The raffle is an integral part of the charity’s fundraising campaign and is run by the Rotary, with members of the 22 local clubs running it to support CLAN. All profit is split between the charity and the Rotary club, with the Mini being part-sponsored by Domino’s Pizza.

Susan Crighton, CLAN fundraising manager, said:

“It is always a lovely moment when Alan and I get to phone the winner of the draw and tell them that they have won a brand new car. We are thrilled to have presented Bob with the Mini now, although he took some persuading from the Rotary and myself to believe that he had won. We all hope he enjoys it, particularly given the difficult time he has been going through.

“The raffle is a hugely important fundraising tool for us and I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the Rotary clubs, who help us so much with it each year. Their dedication and kindness really does make all the difference. We would also like to thank everyone that has supported us by buying a raffle ticket.”

Alan Pirie, of the Aberdeen and North East Rotary Clubs, said: “We were delighted to partner up with CLAN Cancer Support again and would like to extend our congratulations to Bob. Our members have been helping by selling raffle tickets at various events the length and breadth of the north-east for the past eight months. It is lovely to see the Mini go to someone who knows how important local cancer charities like CLAN are and the difference they can make.”

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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New Service For Rape And Abuse Survivors Launched

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 312015

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR

A new project to support childhood rape and abuse survivors has got off the ground in Aberdeen – with a helping hand from Aberdeen Asset Management.
The firm’s Charitable Foundation has given a donation that has enabled the city’s Rape and Abuse Support (RAS) to set up a new programme providing assistance and relief to young people and adults who have suffered abuse.

Trained volunteers offer direct and tailored support through a 12-step programme, providing a listening ear in a safe and comfortable environment where issues and coping mechanisms can be discussed.

RAS offers support and information to anyone over 13 years old who has been raped or sexually abused at any time in their life. It works in the main with the survivors of rape and abuse who may have issues around self harm, alcoholism, self esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also provides information and support to families, friends and partners to enable them to support the survivor in the long term.

The charity works with partners in the community to address rape and sexual violence, has a prevention programme and receives referrals from a wide range of organisations. In January 2014, RAS expanded its service to support men and boys.

Lorraine Dobson, the charity’s support services co-ordinator said:

“We are very grateful for this donation from Aberdeen Asset Management that has allowed us to roll out this new support project for young girls and women in the North East. This project enables survivors to discuss issues relating to abuse, and the impact it has had on their lives and to explore issues including developing coping mechanises to address this in everyday life.

“Childhood survivors can share their stories with trained volunteers who can offer direct and unique support to them. This will be an ongoing project as we aim to help as many people as we can.”

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation said:

“Rape and Abuse Support Aberdeen carries out vital work in the city and surrounding area and this new support group will build and develop the service it is able to offer.”

The Aberdeen Asset Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact and the firm encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects. The donation to RAS which has enabled the setting up of the new support project totals £4,000.

For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

Donate Christmas Stamps To CLAN Cancer Support

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 242015

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

Individuals are being asked to think of a leading north-east cancer support charity this Christmas by donating leftover stamps.

CLAN Cancer Support has issued an appeal for any second-hand stamps from Christmas presents and card packaging that it can recycle to raise funds.

The charity, which provides free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north-east of Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, is also on the hunt for all foreign coins, including old British money.

As well as the stamps and coins, CLAN is also asking individuals to donate any unwanted mobile phone handsets, of any condition, which again can be recycled to raise funds for the charity.

CLAN launched a similar appeal this time last year and saw hundreds of handsets donated, along with a range of coins and stamps with all funds raised going towards its provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“This Christmas, we’re on the hunt for any leftover coins, stamps and mobile phones that we can recycle to raise funds for CLAN.

“With the sending of presents and cards at Christmas, stamps really are in plentiful supply at this time of year, along with new mobile phone handsets so we’re looking for the help of anyone who may have spares leftover.

“We’ve had great success in the past with this appeal and I’d like to thank all those who have donated any of these to the charity. Your donation really can make a big difference.”

Donations of foreign coins, stamps and mobile phones can be made in person at CLAN House on Westburn Road or at either of the charity’s shops on Rosemount Place and Chapel Street.

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

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Volunteers Take Part In Nippy Dipper For Simeon

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Dec 172015

L to R: Charily Jimenez, Jonalyn Ruiz, Cristina Mendoza, Abigail Bekoe, Annchristin Landskron, Laurence Salvador

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

Six intrepid international volunteers are set to cap off a north-east Camphill charity’s fundraising year in style by plunging into the icy North Sea.

The brave group will join hundreds of individuals and groups as they jump into the sea to raise money for Simeon Care for the Elderly.

The popular annual Nippy Dipper event is organised by Aberdeen Lions Club and takes place at Aberdeen Beach on December 26.

The live-in volunteers who will be taking part in the dip come from the Philippines, Germany and Ghana. Each individual plays an integral role at Simeon as their co-worker status allows a high ratio of care staff to residents which ensures an exceptional level of individual attention.

The group’s fundraising effort will mark the end of an exciting year for Simeon Care for the Elderly. The charity recently celebrated the opening of its new 23 bed care home, which was built following the largest fundraising drive in the charity’s history. Simeon’s residents are now settling into their new home, which features dementia-friendly design and a commitment to energy efficient technology.

Gayle Johnston, Simeon’s fundraising manager, said:

“I would like to thank our volunteers for putting themselves forward for this cold challenge. It is quite a thought to take part in something like this during winter and we are very grateful to them. They all make such a difference to daily life at Simeon and this gesture further illustrates their dedication to our residents. I am sure they will be quite a spectacle too as they are embracing our Scottish culture and will run into the freezing water wearing tartan accessories.

“It has been an amazing year for the Simeon family as we all get used to life in our new home and I would like to thank all our supporters who have made this possible. As well as the excitement of our beautiful new building, we were also delighted to win £45,000 of Big Lottery funding to make our Golden Garden a reality. It is now starting to take shape and we are all looking forward to next spring to see the first flowers come through.”

Simeon, one of the six Camphill charities in Aberdeen, launched its New Lease of Life appeal to help fund the new care home, which consists of 23 en-suite bedrooms.

To make a donation to Simeon’s volunteers visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/simeon-sandpipers

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Christmas Ball Is A Cracker For CLAN Cancer Support

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 142015

CLAN chairman Kenny Anderson, CLAN chief executive Dr Colette Backwell, Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam and Dame Anne Begg

CLAN chair Kenny Anderson, CLAN chief exec Dr Colette Backwell, Lord Provost George Adam and Dame Anne Begg.

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

Generous individuals and businesses have come together to raise thousands of pounds at a leading north-east cancer support charity’s annual Christmas event.

Over £83,000 was raised at CLAN Cancer Support’s Christmas Cracker which was held on November 27 at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).

The event, which was this year supported by TOTAL E&P UK Limited as main sponsor with Hydrasun on-board as diamond sponsor, is the charity’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

It saw guests treated to a three-course meal with a silent auction, tombola and a range of entertainment also taking place throughout the course of the evening.

Former STV News presenter Margaret Donald was guest speaker at the event whilst attendees also heard an update from last year’s guest Emily Findlay. Emily is currently continuing to receive treatment after being re-diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare cancer affecting children and young people, in 2014.

The funds raised as a result of the evening will go towards CLAN’s provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north and north-east of Scotland.

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

“Our Christmas Cracker event is a really important evening for all associated with CLAN and we were delighted with the continued support shown towards it, especially given the tough economic climate that is present here in the north-east.

“I’d like to thank both Margaret and Emily for giving up their time to share their experiences with cancer to attendees. Alongside the fundraising element, a big part of the event is raising awareness of CLAN’s service offering and both provide such inspiring stories that are both similar and unique in their own way.

“The support from the event’s key sponsors is also vital to the success of the evening and I’d like to express my gratitude to them for coming on-board this year. We are always blown away by the level of support shown by members of the public and the business community towards CLAN. It was a heart-warming evening and one that will remain with us for a very long time.”

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

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Take A Dip On Boxing Day For CLAN

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 112015

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

A leading north-east cancer support charity is on the lookout for hardy volunteers to brave a popular Boxing Day fundraising event on its behalf.
Organised by Aberdeen Lions Club, the annual Nippy Dipper event is taking place at Aberdeen Beach on December 26 and will see individuals and teams from across the north-east plunge into the North Sea to raise money for a nominated cause.

Last year 30 people jumped into the icy water for CLAN, helping raise around £4,000, with all money brought in going towards the charity’s provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north-east of Scotland.

CLAN is now looking for fearless souls to replicate this feat and help raise funds for the charity.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“We had a fantastic response to our call for people to take the Nippy Dippy plunge in 2014 and hope to repeat that this year.

“We are so pleased to be involved with the Boxing Day event again. It really is something fun and different to do and we would be delighted to hear from anyone who would be interested in taking part for CLAN, either as an individual or in a group.”

The event begins at 10.30am on Boxing Day, with registration at 9.45am. For further information please contact CLAN’s Moureen Wilson on 01224 651026 or email moureen.wilson@clanhouse.org.

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

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Spread Some Yuletide Cheer With CLAN

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Dec 082015

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

CLAN Cancer Support is appealing to the public to think of them when sending Christmas cards this year.

The leading north-east charity has a range of festive cards available across all of its bases and charity shops, with packs available for £2 and £3.50.

CLAN is also providing an E-card service for those who want to save a bit of time and help the charity by making a donation through their JustGiving page.

Susan Crighton, CLAN fundraising manager, said:

“We have a lovely selection of Christmas cards in stock and it would be great if people think of us when sending theirs out this year. For those that want to do something different, we also have our E-card service, which continues to grow in popularity.

“Whichever option you chose, know that every penny spent either on traditional cards or our online service makes such a difference to us and helps us continue to provide our range of support services across the north and north-east.”

To make a donation to CLAN visit www.justgiving.com/charity/clan/clanchristmascards2015

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

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SeaEnergy Support Brings CLAN House To Life

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Dec 032015

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

A technology usually used to photographically capture and manage oil platforms and crime scenes has been put to use to help north-east charity CLAN Cancer Support.
Perhaps not an obvious fit, the SeaEnergy team’s vision was to use its R2S visual asset management system to photographically capture CLAN House into its software to provide the charity with the ability to visually demonstrate the facilities that its Aberdeen headquarters offers.

Claire Fleming, SeaEnergy’s Corporate Communications & Research Manager, commented:

“There is no denying that it is a tricky time across our industry, but we wanted to look for some positives. We needed to find a project to help the continued professional development of our team, keeping them engaged and challenged while the demand for deployment was not high.

“We decided that one positive way we could embrace this challenge was to do something in support of a local charity and part of a corporate social responsibility initiative.

“CLAN is very local to our Rosemount offices where our R2S photographers are based. Like many others in the city, I was aware of the work CLAN did but regularly drove past CLAN House without a real understanding of what went on inside.

“It took no time for the team at CLAN to see the application as we did, but also how it would benefit them in other ways too.”

Dr Colette Backwell, CLAN’s Chief Executive, said:

“Sea Energy’s innovative approach to CSR during the current economic downturn is to be applauded and highlights its continued commitment to local charities.

“CLAN and our clients will benefit greatly from the virtual tour which will go on our website after our Christmas Cracker event this week. It will allow people with cancer, their families and carers to see what we have to offer and perhaps help them to make that first visit to access our wide range of wellbeing services and emotional support.

“The virtual tour also has an important role to play in allowing a number of people affected by cancer from across north-east Scotland, Orkney and Shetland to gain an insight into our facilities before making the journey to Aberdeen for treatment. We place a great emphasis on the comfort of our clients and anything that can make their time away from home that little easier is always greatly welcomed.”

Claire Fleming added:

“I know that many companies are facing operational and business challenges but finding ways to help in terms of donating time and skills can make a real difference – offering benefits to both the donor and recipient. All of us involved with the project have taken away a lot more than a greater understanding of CLAN as a charity; it has been a real privilege to be involved.”

The R2S capture of CLAN House was shown publically for the first time on Friday, November 27, at CLAN’s annual Christmas Cracker event.

About SeaEnergy PLC:

SeaEnergy PLC is an innovation-led offshore energy services business, based in Aberdeen, Scotland and listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM Market.

R2S Visual Asset Management system (delivered by SeaEnergy subsidiary Return To Scene) provides photographic capture and three dimensional modelling of oil & gas installations, linking these images to asset management databases for major international oil operators, allowing them to improve the performance of their assets whilst providing operational efficiencies.

R2S Forensic is an interactive software system that enhances planning, investigation and collaboration through the power of visual imagery. The R2S Forensic system has revolutionised the presentation of crime scenes. It creates an information rich walk through environment which seamlessly links all relevant technical data.

Return To Scene was acquired by SeaEnergy in August 2012.

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9th Dan Award For City Karate Master

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Dec 032015

By Charlie Abel.

Aberdonian karate students will have great cause to celebrate this week with the news that their very own Ronnie Watt OBE ORS, chief instructor of the NKF (national karate federation) and director of Shotokan for the WKC (world karate confederation) has been awarded a 9th Dan black belt (Kudan). It is believed to be the highest ever Dan grade awarded to an Aberdonian or a Scotsman.

This is a major achievement for Ronnie and for karate in Scotland.

Ronnie Watt’s name is already famous and well respected throughout the city of Aberdeen and the karate world. Being graded a 9th Dan Ronnie joins the elite ranks of the worlds most repected Karate masters.

Obtaining a black belt is very difficult, very few people manage to train hard enough, it takes at least three years and most people give up, perhaps one in a hundred achieve a black belt. Some will go on and get a 2nd Dan or higher. However, it is almost unheard of to achieve a 9th Dan in karate. Very few manage to reach this level, most are Japanese and it takes a lifetime of training.

This is a first for Scottish Shotokan Karate and it’s a great honour for the city having a home grown 9th Dan teaching and training karate, here in Aberdeen, Ronnie’s home town.

The 9th Dan will be presented to Ronnie by the International Shotokan-ryu Karate–do Shihankai (ISKS). The ISKS was set up in 2004 by an international group of world karate masters to protect and maintain the tradition of karate, which they see is sadly being diluted by many outside ‘fashionable’ influences. The ISKS is one of the most respected orders in the world of Karate today.

Karate has been a way of life for Ronnie and his family. He has won many competitions both home and internationally. To date he has trained over 25,000 students in his 50 years, many of them achieving black belt and going on to higher Dan grades, his students are well known for returning from World Championship tournaments laden with medals and golden trophies.

His wife Gail has been indispensible in running Ronnie’s NKF Karate Academy and his children, now adults are also very much following in his footsteps with Son Reeve (5th Dan) and Daughter Roxy (5th Dan) training karate regularly and teaching classes. Grandson Cooper (age 4) has also recently started training, keen to join his grandpa in the dojo.

Ronnie who has trained karate ‘religiously’ as a way of life for 50 years was recently entered into the European Hall of fame for Martial Arts (November 2015).

Ronnie has previously been awarded an OBE from the Queen. In 2010 was recognised by the Emperor of Japan with an Order of the Rising Sun – a very special award rarely given to foreigners. Ronnie joins good company with famous people such as Clint Eastwood, Gustav Eiffel of France, George Takei (Sulu, Helmsman of the Starship enterprise on Star Trek) Bobby Charlton, and ex UK Prime minister Sir John Major.

In 2014, Ronnie was awarded a Commemorative Medal of the Trnava Self-Governing Region (TSGR) of Slovakia by the TSGR’s president, Tibor Mikus for promotion of friendship between Scotland and Slovakia. Ronnie is also a Free Burgess of Guild member of the city of Aberdeen, (Freedom of the city) and is a banner bearer to the Knights of the Most Holy Trinity, who are a heraldic based charity organisation raising funds for good causes.

When asked about his 50 years in Karate and his 9th Dan Ronnie says,

“I’ve just loved karate, being karate. It’s what I’ve always done.

“I see a lot of people and see what it can do for them. The discipline, the training, the Budo (the way) it changes them. It changed me. Karate improves people. It’s beautiful….My 50 years have not been easy, but I’d do it again tomorrow..”

“ I’m very happy and really humbled to receive the 9th Dan. It’s amazing…I’m still learning!”

Having one of the worlds most decorated and respected Karate masters living and teaching in Aberdeen is a massive advantage to anyone wishing to learn more about Karate-do.

Visit www.karate-scotland.info for more info.

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Win A Mini With CLAN Cancer Support

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Nov 162015

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

A Mini has made its final pit stop before being raffled to raise money for a leading north-east cancer support charity and local Rotary groups.
The car, which was kindly sponsored by Domino’s Pizza, is now in pride of place in the Bon Accord & St Nicholas shopping centre in Aberdeen prior to finding a new owner in CLAN Cancer Support’s Christmas Eve raffle.

The charity has travelled throughout north-east Scotland with the Mini selling raffle tickets at a range of shows and exhibitions.

Members of the public will be able to put themselves in the running to win it by buying a ticket at the Bon Accord mall, CLAN charity shops or their base on Westburn Road in Aberdeen.

The draw is also being supported by the area’s 22 Rotary clubs who have helped conduct an annual car raffle since 2000.

Susan Crighton, CLAN fundraising manager, said:

“We are looking forward to giving someone the ultimate Christmas present this year in the form of a Mini. Domino’s Pizza very generously donated the car to us this year which we are very grateful for as the raffle is a hugely important fundraising event for us which gets a lot of support from the public.

“It has been on a great tour of the north-east over the past few months, helping us spread awareness of CLAN. It will now be in the Bon Accord mall until the draw on Christmas Eve and we would like to thank the centre for its continued support.

“We are delighted at the Rotary’s continued support which is so important for the success of the prize draw. An incredible number of tickets are sold through them which we are very grateful for.”

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

“We are pleased to be able to provide the Mini with a temporary home until the raffle draw on Christmas Eve which we are sure will be popular with shoppers in the mall in the busy festive period.

“CLAN is our charity of the year and our staff have had great fun throughout the year undertaking activities to support it. CLAN is involved in invaluable work throughout the north-east and we hope people take the chance to enter the raffle draw and get behind their efforts.”

Alan Pirie, of the north-east Rotary organisation, said:

“Rotarians in Aberdeen, Deeside and surrounding areas are pleased to be partnering with CLAN again for the car raffle this year. We enjoy working with them and are very much looking forward to a successful raffle.

“Our members have been busy selling raffle tickets at various events throughout the north-east already and will be on hand at the Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centre from November 14 until the draw is made at 2pm on Christmas Eve. CLAN is a wonderful local cause which does so much to help families who have been affected by cancer and we are happy to be able to help them raise funds.”

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

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