Cancer Support Scotland receives a £50,000 grant from Walk the Walk

Cancer Support Scotland Staff 

We’re delighted to announce that Walk the Walk has made a grant to the wonderful charity Cancer Support Scotland.

Thanks to our fantastic supporters, Walk the Walk has awarded £50,000. The funds will help reduce the waiting list for Scottish cancer patients and their families, who are in desperate need of emotional and wellbeing support.

Cancer Support Scotland 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 at Glasgow’s Gartnaval Hospital.

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”.

The £50,000 grant will help provide 174 people with wellbeing support at the time when they need it most, through counselling, complimentary therapy and also informal befriending calls, which help reduce feelings of isolation, fear and anxiety.

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.”

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.”

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