CLAN Cancer Support

Generous individuals and businesses have come together to raise thousands of pounds at a leading north-east cancer support charity’s annual Christmas event.

Over £83,000 was raised at CLAN Cancer Support’s Christmas Cracker which was held on November 27 at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).

The event, which was this year supported by TOTAL E&P UK Limited as main sponsor with Hydrasun on-board as diamond sponsor, is the charity’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It saw guests treated to a three-course meal with a silent auction, tombola and a range of entertainment also taking place throughout the course of the evening.

Former STV News presenter Margaret Donald was guest speaker at the event whilst attendees also heard an update from last year’s guest Emily Findlay. Emily is currently continuing to receive treatment after being re-diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare cancer affecting children and young people, in 2014.

The funds raised as a result of the evening will go towards CLAN’s provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north and north-east of Scotland.

Dr Colette Backwell, CLAN’s chief executive, said: “Our Christmas Cracker event is a really important evening for all associated with CLAN and we were delighted with the continued support shown towards it, especially given the tough economic climate that is present here in the north-east.

“I’d like to thank both Margaret and Emily for giving up their time to share their experiences with cancer to attendees. Alongside the fundraising element, a big part of the event is raising awareness of CLAN’s service offering and both provide such inspiring stories that are both similar and unique in their own way.

“The support from the event’s key sponsors is also vital to the success of the evening and I’d like to express my gratitude to them for coming on-board this year. We are always blown away by the level of support shown by members of the public and the business community towards CLAN. It was a heart-warming evening and one that will remain with us for a very long time.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org