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Successful first meeting for Banchory cancer support group

FOC Deeside Mike Wilson Helen Hasnip Moureen Wilson 2

Successful first meeting for Banchory cancer support group

CLAN Cancer Support, which has a base in Banchory, held its first Friends of CLAN Deeside meeting this week.

The group, which had its inaugural meeting on Wednesday 14th August at the Scout Hut in Banchory, will support the charity’s activities in and around Deeside.

There are several Friends of CLAN groups, with supporters in Stonehaven, Crimond, Inverurie and Aberdeen. The groups organise fundraising activities and events to raise awareness of the cancer support services available in the area.

At the meeting local resident and CLAN board member Mike Wilson explained the importance of local support to CLAN, both in terms of awareness of the charity and its services but also for fundraising activities.

CLAN Fundraising coordinator Moureen Wilson told the history of CLAN, which was first set up in Aberdeen in 1983, and its now wide-ranging services across Aberdeenshire. Moureen also told the group that more and more people are living with cancer, so the demand for services provided by CLAN is increasing rapidly.

Deeside coordinator for CLAN, Helen Hasnip explained the services offered in Banchory, Alford and Ballater, which include counselling, complementary therapies and social groups for those affected by cancer.

She commented: “CLAN aims to provide support to people where they live. Our centre in Banchory and activities across Deeside bring much-need support to local people who are going through some of the worst times in their lives.

“Our centre in Banchory is welcoming place with lots of laughter but of course occasionally tears. Our activities and groups provide a welcome relief, emotional and practical support.

“We hope to expand our services in Banchory, so very much welcome the support of the Friends of CLAN Deeside group which will help provide much needed funds and raise awareness of the important services we offer.

Friends of CLAN Deeside will meet regularly, and those interested in joining the group should visit the group’s Facebook page, contact Mike Wilson at michaelwilson10@hotmail.com or visit the CLAN base in Banchory on a Thursday or Friday.

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 north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Buckie, Crimond, Inverurie, Lossiemouth, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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