- plus an appeal for helpers

but collapsed overnight. It has launched an emergency fund-raising appeal to ensure it can continue to support young adults with cancer.

Laura wants people to see just how important the support has been and has shared her story to help with the appeal

A spokesman for the charity said: “Like most charities, Trekstock is unable to conduct traditional our other personal support services.

“However, until the requirements of social distancing are relaxed and venues are once again operative, group trips and excursions have been suspended, and will unfortunately remain so.

“Looking ahead, it is now clear that, as Covid-19 restrictions are eased, the centre will face an immediate increase in demand – particularly for transport services.

“At the same time as the NHS turns attention to tackling the backlog of outpatient appointments, individuals will also seek to rapidly re-establish contact with families and friends and begin, once again, to manage their own shopping and social contacts held in abeyance for so long. fund-raising activities due to the lockdown and has had to cancel crucial fund-raising events, resulting in a significant drop in donations.

“Every day, 34 young adults face a cancer diagnosis and Trekstock supports them through this, helping to get them moving again physically, socially and psychologically.

“As a result of the pandemic,

“To maintain any sense of credibility, it is vital the centre should be in a position to provide a positive response.”

Trustee board chairman, Paul Lomas, said: “Unfortunately, at this critical time we will lose the support of those volunteers who will be returning to work at the end of their furlough arrangements. As a result, we anticipate a serious struggle to find enough volunteers to meet this surge in demand.

“We are therefore appealing to all those who, perhaps for the first time, have been volunteering over the past few months, to seriously consider sustaining their support in the months ahead.

“While volunteer drivers remain our primary concern, through the centre we need to respond to a these patients who should be

in the prime of their lives, and are typically under-served by support groups, could lose vital services.

“Trekstock receives no government support and has had to launch an emergency appeal to raise £50,000 that will ensure it survives through Covid-19 and continues to support young adults with cancer.” wide range of requests for additional assistance and support – shopping, befriending, gardening, DIY are all in demand.

“Our hard-pressed staff could also use some in-house support with their office duties.

“In the aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis we will undoubtedly identify a whole new range of challenges created by months of enforced isolation. Let us join together to sustain this new-found enthusiasm for the mutually rewarding practice of voluntary community service.”

Anyone able to lend a few hours per week, at times to suit, to offer voluntary support to those in need is being asked to contact the centre manager, Andy Shelton, on 0116 260 7888.