A leading cancer charity has opened the doors of a new support centre in one of the north-east’s largest towns.
Figures show that one in three people will be diagnosed with a form of cancer in their lifetimes, and Clan Cancer Support is reaching out to patients across the area.
Yesterday marked the launch of their Turriff centre, and the charity’s north Aberdeenshire co-ordinator said it was a vital step forwards.
Angie Christie said: “We’ve had key people in through the doors already, including GPs and nurses. It’s a really promising start.”
Visitors to the new centre will be offered personal support, including workshops on improving diet and lifestyle, as well as complementary therapies and family support.
The base in High Street also has space for fundraising events.
Clan has already been backed by the local community and one resident – Lorna Stewart – donated more than £2,000 to the cause.
Mrs Stewart, who organised a band night fundraiser in memory of her husband, said: “My husband Richard passed away from cancer four years ago in March.
“I wanted to give something back that will go towards them continuing to provide such a meaningful service. It is fantastic that Clan is now in Turriff, I know how much it will mean to families in the area to have their services close at hand.”
Clan’s services manager Lucy Whiteman said: “Today was all about people finding out what’s available.
“We’ve had healthcare professionals in and that’s so important – they’re the first point of contact for patients, they deliver the primary care.
“But there’s more to come after that and we can offer that here in Turriff. It’s about keeping it close to the community.”
One of the many services on offer at the converted townhouse is nutritional advice.
Registered nutritional therapist Cathy Clark, who was on hand to make revitalising smoothies, said: “Food can help our bodies heal, or it can make it harder to heal.
“I run workshops to help people see how easy and important eating healthily can be.”
Clan’s Turriff base will initially be open between 10am-4pm every Friday. The charity is based in Aberdeen but covers the whole of the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.