Cancer charity's appeal for help

Cancer Support Scotland needs funding so it can continue to provide free therapy services to cancer patients.

However, it is always looking to support even more people and has now launched an appeal for more fundraisers to help cater to an increasing number of cancer patients wishing to use its free services.

The appeal – launched on the eve of Cancer Survivor’s Month in June and the start of National Volunteers’ Week – follows the latest official government 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.

There has been a 40 per cent rise in the number of people seeking its support.

The charity has already increased capacity and is now able to offer around 5000 appointments a year.

However, with the rise in the number of people surviving cancer and living longer, there is pressure to provide even more.

That is something we are desperate to do as we never want to disappoint anyone.

However, to meet demand we need to raise more money.

We have been warning people for years that charities like Cancer Support Scotland do not receive adequate government backing. The result? We need even more volunteers to raise funds.

Cancer Support Scotland already has a dedicated band of volunteers and fundraisers who do a magnificent job but we need more people to raise the money needed to help even more people seeking our assistance.

We offer services which the NHS does not and all our therapies are free.

Since we get no government support we 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. But, to do that, we need to raise more money.

Fundraising can be fun.We’re always on the look out for people to take part in our annual cycle ride from Moscow in Ayrshire to Houston, Renfrewshire, as well as the Great Scottish Run, our Ladies Lunch and to get involved in a host of other fundraising events.

I would appeal to anyone who can help to contact us at Cancer Support Scotland on 0141 337 8199 or freephone 0800 652 4531.

They can also email [email protected] or visit for more details.