The Hebridean Men's Cancer Support Group (HMCSG) is thanking all who contributed to their recent and hugely successful Christmas raffle.
They say: "You helped us raise the amazing sum of £33,391.
"We fund donations and provide support to the growing numbers of men who receive a cancer diagnosis each year.
"We could not do this without the support of those companies and organisations who donated prizes, and the increasing number of people who bought tickets in the Prize Draw.
"We use these funds to help and support men affected by cancer, their relatives and friends."
In the past 18 years HMCSG have helped and supported over 1000 men and their families in the Western Isles in a variety of ways, both locally and nationally. That contact has involved financial, emotional and practical advice and support, and in some cases simply friendship.
As well as supporting men and their families on a personal level, HMCSG have aided:
- New recliner chemotherapy chairs for hospital and community use.
- New bathroom and beds for the Bethesda Hospice.
- New television sets for Western Isles Hospital.
- Acuvein machines for use in hospital and in community settings.
HMCSG has also campaigned for better chemotherapy facilities in the Western Isles Hospital, and better accommodation facilities in Kyle Court at Raigmore Hospital. Both campaigns resulted in improved facilities.
The group is currently involved in an ongoing campaign to persuade Western Isles Health Board to adopt a fairer and more patient-centred travel escorts policy.
HMCSG are involved with, and have a representative as a trustee, on the Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative, a collaboration which works well for everyone involved in our joint enterprise supporting those in need.
Nationally HMCSG have been involved with several national organisations including:
- Macmillan Cancer Care.
- Prostate Cancer Scotland
- Bowel Cancer Scotland
- Teenage Cancer Trust Scotland
- Blood Cancer Scotland
They have also supported financially the creation of a Professorship in Bowel Cancer Research at the University of Edinburgh. Since 2008 they have provided help and support to cancer causes, including being recognised nationally as a uniquely successful organisation which now attracts up to 40 attendees at regular Friday afternoon meetings.
"The companionship, friendship, care and support, including much laughter and craic every Friday provide each member of our group with strength, courage, resilience and hope. And it is in these Friday meetings that we believe our real strength and purpose lies.
"We believe that we have the good fortune to live in the most generous and caring community in Britain, a fact evidenced by the phenomenal amount raised by our raffle and donations. We also raise money in other ways; running marathons, lunches, coffee mornings, church collections by individuals and groups.
The Annual General Meeting off the Hebridean Men’s Cancer Support Group will take place on March 30 at 7:30 in the Fàilte Centre, Bayhead. The guest speaker will be Kay Mackinnon, Macmillan Benefits Adviser. All are very welcome to attend.
