A centre supporting people with cancer in Oban has gone from strength to strength.
The Dove Centre on Stevenson Street offers emotional, spiritual, and practical help to people living with cancer and other life-changing illnesses.
In the short time it has been open, the centre has built up a portfolio of experts who offer special therapies for patients.
The centre opened in November after years of fundraising by the Friends of Oban Hospice and the Board of Oban Hospice.
A team of at least 12 volunteers help out by coming in, supporting people, cleaning up, serving refreshments and even providing transport.
Board chairman David Entwistle has been chairman for five years and despite being diagnosed with Parkinsons a year ago, he still works tirelessly to help others.
He said: “We have a men’s group every Friday morning which is very popular. We have a coffee morning every Thursday and a craft group on a Thursday afternoon. There is also a Pink Ladies group which is particularly for people who have had breast cancer.
“People are supported in many ways. We have a minister on the board who visits the centre providing spiritual support to people. We have got occupational therapists and we liaise with Macmillan Nurses based at Oban hospital.
“Around 40 people drop in every week. It is mainly people with cancer but can be for people with any life limiting illness.”
Friends of Oban Hospice fundraise to run the centre. Because it is in its first year it is not clear exactly what it will cost to run annually but it is expected to be in the region of £50,000.
The centre is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
