Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group’s new charity shop, in Newton Aycliffe town centre, now features an advice hub for cancer patients, offering information about financial help, grants and more.
The advice hub will be open within the shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 12pm. There is always a Volunteer on duty if you just want to have a chat. That is available from 9.30am until 3.30pm.
There will also be a fortnightly coffee morning at the shop, which will be held on a Wednesday, dates are to be confirmed.
The charity is also looking for Tombola and Raffle Prizes, so if you have any unopened gifts that you don’t want or even unused toiletries, we can definitely make use of them, please drop them into the Shop.
Allison White launched the registered charity after suffering leukaemia herself, and identifying a need to provide help, advice and hospital transport for cancer patients. Since then, she has seen demand for its services increase significantly.
Volunteer patient transport drivers urgently needed
While the new shop will provide a much needed shot in the arm to fundraising due to the costs of monthly mileages that has quadrupled since Covid, the charity is in desperate need of volunteer drivers to take cancer patients to vital chemotherapy and medical appointments at north east hospitals. Expenses will be paid.
Said Allison: “We never turn anyone away. We welcome anyone who is affected by cancer across County Durham and Darlington.
“A cancer diagnosis is devastating – not just for the patient, but for family, friends and colleagues. We aim to provide help and support where it is needed, but we cannot do that without our volunteers and, currently, we urgently need drivers.”
In addition to the advice hub, monthly meetings at the Youth Centre, Newton Aycliffe (opposite Tesco), feature guest speakers including dieticians, therapists, medical professionals and representatives from welfare and social support groups. Meetings are from 6pm on the first Thursday of each month.
The charity also organises regular social events and day trips for cancer patients and their families.
For more information about volunteer driving, contact the patient transport coordinator, Hazel, on 07564 973046 or for information about Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group, contact Chairperson, Allison White, on 07762 258696 or email allisonwhite75@yahoo.co.uk