PRESS RELEASE - Walk the Walk funds vital support for people across Scotland affected by cancer

Cancer Support Scotland staff

Breast cancer charity Walk the Walk funds vital support for people across Scotland affected by cancer

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Breast cancer charity Walk the Walk has granted £50,000 to help reduce the waiting list for Scottish cancer patients, and their families, who are in desperate need of emotional and wellbeing support.

The funds will allow Cancer Support Scotland, based in the grounds of Glasgow’s Gartnavel Hospital, to provide 174 people with wellbeing support at the time when they need it most. The charity has seen a dramatic increase in referrals recently and is being contacted by up to a dozen new patients from across Scotland every single day.

The current waiting list for appointments is up to 12 weeks. Walk the Walk’s grant will allow people to get vital assistance much sooner, either online or at Cancer Support Scotland’s centre

• Counselling - providing patients with the tools to deal with their diagnosis
• Complimentary therapy – in person sessions, designed with relaxation in mind
• Befriending – informal wellbeing calls to help reduce isolation, fear and anxiety

Entries are now open for The MoonWalk Scotland 2023, organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk. On Saturday 9th September, thousands of women and men wearing decorated bras will set off from Holyrood Park in Edinburgh to walk an overnight half or full marathon through the streets of the capital. Sign up now at www.walkthewalk.org

Michael MacLennan, Interim CEO of Cancer Support Scotland, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a £50,000 grant from Walk the Walk. We understand these are challenging times for everyone and these incredible funds will allow us to continue supporting those that need us, when they need us most. Each year we continue to see a rapid rise in demand for our services, and thanks to the generosity of Walk the Walk we’ll be able to provide 174 people with 6 vital wellbeing appointments.”
Susan (52) from Glasgow received counselling from Cancer Support Scotland, following her cancer diagnosis. She said: “My mood was very low and I was often feeling anxious. I was also spending a lot of time in my flat, not going out much and felt as if sometimes people didn’t understand why I wasn’t feeling great, as my treatment had ended. I didn’t understand that myself if I’m honest. I still struggle at times but I’ve received so much non-judgemental support, motivation, encouragement, and laughter (which is so important) through these sessions".
Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of breast cancer charity Walk the Walk said: “I was deeply upset to hear about the unacceptable length of time people are having to wait for wellbeing support, following their cancer diagnosis. Whilst 12 weeks might not seem very long in some people’s worlds, if you’ve just found out you have cancer, it’s a lifetime! In 2023, Walk the Walk is releasing £1 million to help fund innovative support like that provided by Cancer Support Scotland. It’s a tough time for cancer patients across Scotland, so I’m delighted that Walk the Walk has been able help so many people.”

For more information and interviews, contact:- 

• Lisa Tyrrell at Walk the Walk  01483 741430 or 07554 337566 [email protected]
• Jen Broh at Walk the Walk  01483 741430 or 07974 107999 [email protected]