September Newsletter - Ayrshire to Beatson

Hear Clayre's Story

This month we celebrate our Ayrshire to Beatson Campaign, and we would like to introduce you to Clayre.

Clayre was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in April, and started her treatment in May. Clayre has been accessing support at Ayrshire Cancer Support, using our transport service to get to her radiotherapy appointments. Our volunteer drivers dedicate their time each week to take cancer patients to their hospital appointments, they are an invaluable part of our organisation and we cannot thank them enough for all that they do. Hear from Clayre, to discuss why this service has been so important for her.

Clayre’s advice to other people affected by cancer is: "My advice to others would be to talk to people, whether that be your family, friends or professionals through services such as Ayrshire Cancer Support. I feel support is vital when going through a cancer diagnosis, it allows you to talk through your worries and concerns, all that you are facing and how you can overcome things. Reach out and get as much help as you can. I found even popping over to the Ayrshire Cancer Support Kilmarnock centre extremely helpful, it is so homely and has allowed me some time to sit, have a cuppa and chat if I need it."

Clayre has been accessing support at Ayrshire Cancer Support: "I was aware of ACS and knew their Kilmarnock and Ayr centres were there but when I was diagnosed my Breast Care Nurse advocated for the services, in particular, the transport service. Initially, I wanted to take myself to my radiotherapy appointments, but soon realised that this would be an added stress that I did not need. I really do not know what I would have done without the transport service, it has been absolutely fantastic. Every driver I have had has been lovely and made the whole process extremely stress free. I love meeting new people and enjoy the social aspect of my journeys up to the Beatson, everyone has made me feel so comfortable. This really is such an invaluable service, there are not enough words to describe how ACS have helped me. I have also used the complementary therapy service, having had a lovely massage with Elaine and have started sessions with Alan for counselling."

Clayre, thank you for sharing your story with us, we are in awe of your positivity and are so grateful that we have been able to support you through this difficult time. 🧡

Prehabilitation Event & Oncology Day 

Our Cancer Support Specialist had the privilege of attending both a West of Scotland Cancer Network Prehabilitation Event and an oncology study day for nurses within Crosshouse & Ayr Hospital.

This provided our team with a great opportunity to maintain & build relationships amongst many different healthcare professionals but ultimately provided a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the free therapeutic services we offer to anyone affected by cancer in Ayrshire & Arran.

We are excited to announce the launch of a new group programme starting in October at our Kilmarnock Centre in partnership with Beatson Cancer Charity.

The Living with Uncertainty programme aims to help people living with cancer develop skills to lead a full and meaningful life alongside their condition. The sessions focus on identifying important values, learning how to manage difficult thoughts, and committing to meaningful change.

Is this support right for you? This programme will be 4 weeks long, with a 2-hour group session each week.

To register or get more information for the group contact 01563 538008 or admin@ayrshirecs.org

Ayr Centre Progress

Work at our new Ayr Centre continues apace and the rear extension is now taking shape with electrical first fix started. The windows and doors will now be installed in the extension with fantastic floor to ceiling windows letting in lots of natural light and doors opening out on to our therapeutic garden and childrens’ sensory garden.

CYP Peer Support Group

As well as one to one support and complementary therapy our service also offers a range of peer support groups for children, young people and families.

These are informal groups where you can come along and have some fun and connect with others who have also been affected in some way by a cancer diagnosis. As well as activities such as climbing, we also run fortnightly groups at Prestwick Community centre aimed at 5 -12 year olds, the Ardeer Community Centre in Stevenson aimed at teens and at our Kilmarnock centre, aimed at young adults.

For more information about any of our services please contact us on 01563 538008 or email cyp@ayrshirecs.org

Some feedback from our groups:

"[The best thing was] hearing my daughter laugh out loud. There hasn't been much opportunity due to circumstances in the past year for her to just enjoy and have fun."

As well as the generous support from our local communities and businesses, we rely on funding from grant making organisations to meet our income targets each year.

Since 2021, alongside raising the income required to deliver all of our services, we have been working to hit our particularly ambitious capital build target so that we can deliver our new support centre in Ayr.

In July 2024, the Edward Gostling Foundation pledged an amazing £150,000 which has made a substantial contribution to meeting our target of £2.4 Million. We are very grateful to the Foundation for their support and for helping us to get so close to hitting our target.

Our fundraising efforts continue. If you would like to find out more about how you can support us to deliver our new centre, including adding a name to our "Hope and Memories" window gallery visit www.home4cancer.org, or contact us to find out more.

Pre-Loved Fashion Evening

We, at Ayrshire Cancer Support, would like to express our gratitude for the abundance of donations received in light of our Pre-loved Fashion Evening.

Our event took place at our Shop for Good, on Thursday 29th August, in collaboration with Ayr Racecourse. It was a  huge success thanks to all of the generous donations we received to make this possible.

Thank you to all who attended our fun-filled night, supporting our cause and ability to provide our vital services to children, young people and adults affected by cancer across Ayrshire, whilst also promoting sustainable shopping ahead of the new Sustainable Style Award at the upcoming Gold Cup this month.

This month is Slow Fashion September and Climate Month, and we would love for you to tag us on social media to share any sustainable pieces you have purchased from our shop on Newmarket Street or elsewhere, or your Sustainable outfit at the Gold Cup weekend!