Lottery boost for CLAN

CLAN Cancer Support, the Aberdeenshire charity that provides invaluable help for Shetland children and families dealing with cancer is to expand its support service thanks to a £400,000 Big Lottery Fund grant.

The funding, announced on Tuesday, will enable CLAN to fund its cancer support work for the next three years and continue making a difference to those facing difficult times and often suffering with anxiety, stress and isolation.

CLAN said it would use the £408,274 grant to develop and expand its project, which offers pre and post-bereavement emotional support.

Based in Aberdeen, CLAN has a presence throughout north-east Scotland including Lerwick.

Its chief executive Dr Colette Backwell said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded this substantial funding from the Big Lottery Fund Scotland and I can’t thank them enough for selecting CLAN to be a recipient of such a fantastic donation. 

“The funding will be used to develop our growing children and family service across the communities we serve as we continue to see the uptake of our range of free support services for those affected by cancer increase.

“A cancer diagnosis can be difficult for adults and children alike and any funding that aids us in helping individuals and families find comfort throughout this time is warmly welcome by the charity.”

Big Lottery Fund Scotland chairwoman Maureen McGinn said the lottery’s aim was to “support people in communities in the greatest need”.

“And this award to CLAN Cancer Support is an excellent example of how our funding can help bring about positive change for people facing challenging circumstances.

“It offers comfort support, information and help to young people and families when they need it most after being told news of a truly devastating illness – to help reduce stress, anxiety and their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.”