Cancer charity appeals for more fundraisers due to lack of government backing
A cancer counselling charity has launched an appeal for more fundraisers to help it support the increasing number of cancer patients wishing to use its services.
Cancer Support Scotland launched the appeal on the eve of Cancer Survivor’s Month (June) and the start of National Volunteers’ Week and follows the latest official figures showing almost 32,000 people were diagnosed with the illness in Scotland in 2014.
The numbers are reflected in the unprecedented demand for the wide range of free complementary therapies Cancer Support Scotland provides at its headquarters in Glasgow and outreach centres in the west of Scotland.
Colin Graham, the charity’s chief executive, said there had been a 40% rise in the number of people seeking its support.
“We have already increased our capacity and are now able to offer around 5,000 appointments a year,” he said.
“With the rise in the number of people surviving cancer and living longer despite the illness, there is pressure on us to provide even more assistance than we can at present.
“That is something we are desperate to do as we never want to disappoint anyone but to meet demand we need to raise more money.”
For several years charities like Cancer Support Scotland have not received adequate government backing with the result that even more volunteers were needed to raise essential funds.
Cancer Support Scotland has not received adequate government backing - Colin Graham
Graham said: “Cancer Support Scotland already has a dedicated band of volunteers and fundraisers who do a magnificent job but we need more people to help us raise the money needed to help the additional number of people seeking our assistance.”
Services offered by Cancer Support Scotland, whose headquarters are in the grounds of the Gartnavel Hospital campus, include talking therapy (counselling), various forms of massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, reiki, guided visualisation and stress management techniques all aimed at easing pain and discomfort and reducing stress and anxiety.
A chiropody service and a nail care service are also available for people undergoing treatment for cancer.
Graham added: “We offer services which the NHS does not and all our therapies are free. We get no government support and rely on the hard work of fundraisers, the generosity of the public and trusts, and companies which select us as their ‘charity of the year’.
“Our aim is to help everyone who contacts us as quickly as possible as we know how difficult it is for people dealing with cancer. To do that we need to raise more money.
“Fundraising can be fun. We’re always on the lookout for people to take part in our annual cycle ride from Moscow in Ayrshire to Houston, Renfrewshire, the Great Scottish Run, attend our Ladies Lunch and get involved in a host of other events."
Contact Cancer Support Scotland email [email protected]
