CLAN Cancer Support

A leading north-east cancer support charity has received a £20,000 donation from a famous former footballer who has experienced his own cancer journey.

Christmas came early for Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support today (Thursday, December 14) when staff, clients and volunteers welcomed ex-Celtic, Arsenal and West Ham striker John Hartson to the charity’s CLAN House base on the city’s Westburn Road.

John previously paid a visit to CLAN in May 2016 where he saw first-hand the services and facilities the charity provides, spoke to some of the service users, and met staff and volunteers who are based in Aberdeen.

Diagnosed with testicular cancer when he was just 31, John formed his own charity, The John Hartson Foundation, in 2010, with the aim of increasing awareness of testicular cancer whilst helping raise money to support others affected by the illness.

The charity’s ‘Grab Life by the Balls’ campaign went from strength-to-strength, with males across the UK shown a video featuring John sharing his own experience of testicular cancer alongside receiving advice and guidance on how they can check for early signs of the illness.

John Hartson said: “Through my own experience of fighting cancer and establishing The John Hartson Foundation I know how important it is that people who have been affected by a cancer diagnosis have access to professional advice and support within their own communities.

“During my last visit to CLAN I was very impressed by the charity’s range of services, across such a wide geographical area, and was pleased to be able to spend some time chatting with individuals who receive support.”

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support, said: “We were delighted to welcome John back to CLAN House, and to have the opportunity to update him on how the wellbeing and support services we provide throughout the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland have developed since his last visit.”

“On behalf of everyone at CLAN, I would like to thank the John Hartson Foundation for its very generous donation which will help us to continue to support people affected by cancer and raise awareness of our services.

“John’s cancer journey is inspiring and the work his foundation carries out to promote the importance of checking for early signs of cancer is vital. We are incredibly grateful for John’s continued support and interest in CLAN’s work.”

The Hartson Foundation has raised in the region of £750,000 and is aiming to hit its £1million target in the near future.

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call 01224 647000, or visit www.clanhouse.org

For more information about The John Hartson Foundation, please visit www.johnhartsonfoundation.co.uk