May Newsletter - Our Story, Recent Events & What's On

We'd like to introduce you to Moira

Moira’s husband Steven died almost two years ago and she has recently sought support from us here at Ayrshire Cancer Support.

"My husband of 37 years passed away at the age of 58 from bladder cancer. I felt so traumatised and devastated when he died and found it hard to accept. The first year passed in a daze as I tried to deal with my grief and also support my children and grandchildren. It almost felt more difficult as time went on, when the reality of never seeing a loved one again kicks in."

Moira shared some advice for other people who are bereaved - "I would advise anyone trying to navigate loss and grief to be kind to yourself and accept help from friends and family and if possible, keep active. Counselling can be very beneficial as it is sometimes easier talking to someone you don't know personally." Moira has been pushing herself, and has even travelled solo a few times since Steven died – seen here enjoying the Tenerife sun.

"Ayrshire Cancer Support have proved invaluable to me. I have benefitted greatly both from counselling and attending their 6 session Navigating Loss and Grief Course. The staff and volunteers are so welcoming, friendly, and supportive and I am very grateful for this service."

Ayrshire Cancer Support provides a range of services for people bereaved from cancer. Whether you’re just looking to take some time out for you and relax with some complementary therapies, or whether you’re looking for specific bereavement support; like one to one counselling, the drop in peer bereavement café, or the Navigating Loss and Grief Course – we can help.

Coping with fear of recurrence

Worrying about your cancer returning is normal, and often these fears reduce with time.

However, for some, this fear can be overwhelming and can impact on their ability to find enjoyment as they move forward with their life following treatment for cancer.

Our first group has now completed the 6 week Fear of Recurrence programme, delivered by colleagues from the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in our own Kilmarnock Centre.

Feedback was hugely positive, and we will continue to run this programme moving forward, with dates scheduled for August and October. If you would like to attend please let us know.

In addition to this group support, our cancer support specialist and counsellors can also provide one to one support on navigating the emotions around fear of recurrence. If you need support, contact us or drop in.

What's On

We offer a range of free groups, courses and workshops for anyone affected by cancer.

Accessing peer support can allow you to share experiences as well as explore new ways of coping and living with cancer – with a group of people in a similar situation to yourself.

To find out what’s on in our centres, please visit the What’s On section of our website by clicking here, drop in to our centre in Kilmarnock or contact us on 01563 538008.

The Coral Scottish Grand National Festival Ladies Day

What a fantastic day we had at The Coral Scottish Grand National Festival Ladies Day.

The sun was smiling on us and the racing was enthralling! Thanks to all who came along to support us on the day as well as those who provided auction and raffle prizes to allow us to raise vital funds to keep our cancer support services free to all in Ayrshire.

We would also like to thank our wonderful corporate partner, Ayr Racecourse, for their hospitality and allowing our hard working volunteers to be there throughout the Grand National weekend. A huge thank you to these volunteers who gave up their time to raise awareness and funds with racegoers.

It was certainly a spectacular weekend and we look forward to welcoming you back next year!

CYP fun and laughter

Families that access our services had a brilliant day in the Easter holidays learning to ski, and having a go at tubing.

Feedback from the day was hugely positive - "It was amazing hearing my daughter laugh out loud - there hasn’t been much opportunity due to circumstances in the past year for her to just enjoy and have fun."

The day was funded by the The Outdoor Partnership and we want to thank them, along with the team at Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex, Domino’s Pizza Kilmarnock for donating our lunchtime pizzas, and David @ Brownings, Galston for supplying everyone with a strawberry tart!

Alongside this we regularly offer other activity based peer support groups which give young people the opportunity to connect with one another, learn new skills, gain confidence and have fun! We have climbing groups at the Above Adventure centre in Kilmarnock and 6 week boxercise groups, the next one is starting on Tuesday 7th May at Prestwick Academy.

If you are interested in coming along, please call 01563 538008 or email cyp@ayrshirecs.org to request a place.

Carrick Futures

As well as the generous support from our local communities and businesses, we rely on funding from grant making organisations to meet our income targets each year.

In 2023 Carrick Futures awarded Ayrshire Cancer Support £25,000 to support our capital fundraising project to deliver our new support centre in Ayr. This contribution went some way towards helping us meet our ambitious target, and we were able to begin work earlier this year.

Roger Pirrie, Chairman of Carrick Futures said "I am delighted that Carrick Futures are able to contribute to this very worthwhile project. After meeting members of the team in person I have been so impressed with all the work that is being delivered and the efficiency of such a small team."

We are very grateful for the support of Carrick Futures and look forward to welcoming them to visit the new centre once it is complete in January 2025.

West Highland Way & Running Challenges

John, one of our amazing supporters completed the immense challenge of the West Highland Way from the 13th-19th of April. What an amazing achievement! If you would like to take on this walk, more information can be found here https://www.westhighlandway.org/

Our wonderful volunteer driver Andy completed the Manchester Marathon this month. Although a tough one for Andy after a bad fall, he continued on and managed to finish!

Huge well done Andy and we hope you are recovering well.