£ 750,000 drive for new charity base
by patients throughout South Ayrshire and parts of East Ayrshire undergoing treatment for cancer and offers a range free support services.
The charity identified a number of improvements that are needed, including better wheelchair access, improvements to therapy rooms and easier on- street parking for users.
And following a break- in last year the police suggested a number of modifications that would prove costly to implement.
The charity’s CEO Sandra McCall said: “We are literally a lifeline to many Ayrshire people who have been diagnosed with cancer or are dealing with the effects of a cancer diagnosis on someone they care for.
“We are the only charity that operates across the whole of Ayrshire that provides transport to hospital treatment for someone with a diagnosis.
“Without this service many people would not be able to travel to hospital, usually in Glasgow, and would not get access to treatment that saves or prolongs their lives.
“We undertake around 15,000 journeys every year.
“People mistakenly believe the ambulance transport service would transport patients to hospital but this is not usually the case.
“Similarly, there is no other charity that provides face- to- face confidential counselling with fully trained- counsellors. The NHS currently have a waiting list of over 18 months to access this service.
“We can provide the necessary care for people who are struggling to cope with a diagnosis or are recently bereaved.
“Our therapists also offer relief from cancer symptoms and its treatment through complementary therapies.
“We work very closely with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and provide services in Ayr Hospital oncology wards. Despite trying, we receive no government or NHS funding to run or centres.
“So it’s up to us to continue to raise the funds to ensure the people of South Ayrshire and the surrounding area with cancer have the best possible opportunity of a positive