Charis Fundraising Efforts ‘Kick Off’ To Secure Finance for Approved Expansion Plans

Cancer support charity Charis is ‘kicking off’ a major fundraising drive to secure the finance to progress recently approved expansion plans. The charity, which supports people in Northern Ireland affected by cancer, is planning to almost double the size of the centre. Charis is truly unique providing cancer patients and their family members’ with complimentary support and therapies.

Planning approval for the 3,000 square feet expansion was granted by Mid-Ulster District Council on 8th January 2018. Ryan Dougan of Vision Design Architecture, who developed the plans, welcomed the decision to approve the scheme:

“Mid-Ulster District Council planning responded promptly to the application and engaged with our office to ensure a quality proposal and timely decision. We’re delighted the plans have been approved and the next phase of development can now be embarked upon.”

The expansion phase has been prompted by a significant increase in demand for the charity’s services. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the UK and it is estimated that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.

Imelda McGucken, Centre Director of Charis Cancer Care explains: “For anyone who may not be familiar with Charis Cancer Care or what we provide, the charity was established to support people who are affected by cancer and families who have been bereaved through cancer. Charis can broaden the services offered to patients coping with diagnosis, detection and treatment. Services are free and complement rather than replace orthodox cancer treatments with the aim of providing physical, psychological and emotional support through the relief of symptoms. Support ranges from counselling services and dietary advice, right through to offering treatments such as reflexology and massage”.

“Over 5,500 people have accessed Charis’ services to date. On average, the centre welcomes in excess of 27 new users per week and with the extension in place that number is likely to double. Highly trained therapists and tutors work with the person as a whole, ensuring they benefit from advice and treatments.”

Charis Cancer Care Board Member Jarlath Conway adds: “The new facility will provide two new treatment rooms for the delivery of complementary therapies by trained practitioners, one counselling room, one beauty therapy room, one rest room and additional office space. We are delighted with the vision for the new centre and the difference it will make for the people who will avail of the expert services.”

“Charis does not receive government funding and relies exclusively on the support from the local community and businesses to raise funds. The annual running costs for the centre are currently in the region of £300,000. To help co-ordinate fundraising we are in the process of appointing a dedicated fundraiser. I can’t thank all our current donors enough. Their generosity makes a massive difference to people’s quality of life and well-being.”

Should you wish to make a donation to Charis to support cancer patients, their families and those bereaved with cancer, please contact Imelda McGucken on T: 028 8676 9217 or email director@chariscancercare.org. All donations go straight to the charity.

Charis Fundraising Efforts ‘Kick Off’ To Secure Finance for Approved Expansion Plans: Cancer support charity Charis is ‘kicking off’ a major fundraising drive to secure the finance to progress recently approved expansion plans. The charity, which supports people in Northern Ireland affected by cancer, is planning to almost double the size of the centre. Charis is truly unique providing cancer patients and their family members’ with complimentary support and therapies. Planning approval for the 3,000 square feet expansion was granted by Mid-Ulster District Council earlier this month (8th January 2018). L-R Welcoming the decision to approve the scheme are Jarlath Conway, Charis Cancer Care Board Member; Imelda McGucken, Centre Director of Charis Cancer Care and Ryan Dougan of Vision Design Architecture, who developed the plans.