Getting closer to £420,000 target for new centre

Thursday, 24 May 2012

In just a few months Cancer Support Scotland (Tak Tent) will move into its new home- the Calman Cancer Support Centre- in the grounds of Gartnavel Hospital. To ensure this happens we need to raise £420,000. Each day we are moving closer to that target but £165,000 is still needed. Now people have the chance to make their mark on our new building forever and help us reach our goal in the process- by joining our buy-a-brick campaign.

We have almost 1000 virtual bricks available for a minimum donation of £50. For that people will have their name recognised on a plaque in our new private terraced garden. Donations of £250 or more will see their name engraved on a glass donor wall in our reception.

Cancer Support Scotland provides practical and emotional support for people affected by the disease, including family, friends and carers. This includes free of charge one-to-one complementary therapies, talking therapies and support groups.

Our new home- the former Gartnavel Chapel is currently under restoration by the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust. The remaining funds will allow us to buy and kit out the building.  It will mean we can treble our capacity allowing us to see over 1,400 people a year and offer new types of services. These include a Befriending service, Hair, Nail and Foot salon and Skype Talking Therapy to support those in outlying areas.

One couple who have already bought their brick is service users Bill and Cathie Darroch. Bill said: “Cancer Support Scotland has definitely helped one-hundred percent, mentally and physically, and I reckon the new place is going to be far better, modern, away from the hospital, a wee place of your own. You’re away from the hospital and not reminded of the medical side of it”. On buying their brick Bill said: “You see your name up there, we’ve done something to help, we’ll do a lot more if we can but that’s a start. We’re so proud of the certificate we also got. We’ve got it in a frame up on the wall in the house”.

His wife Cathie added: “Cancer Support Scotland’s got us out and motivated in the morning. Bill was depressed and I was frightened to go out with him in case anything happened and this has totally changed that”.

Cancer Support Scotland Chief Executive Colin Graham said: “Cancer diagnoses are on the rise showing just how important it is that our service continues to grow. The Calman Cancer Support Centre signals the start of a new era for our charity enabling us to help thousands more.  I hope members of the public will get involved with our buy-a-brick appeal and help us reach the £420,000 target”.

If you would like to buy a virtual brick and help Cancer Support Scotland with their goal, please call 0800 652 4531 or visit www.cancersupportscotlandbuyabrick.org.