Kendal cancer centre re-opens after fantastic £2m public appeal (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Kendal cancer centre re-opens after fantastic £2m public appeal

4:50pm Thursday 10th September 2009 in Cancercare By Lizzie Anderson

MONTHS of tireless fundraising have finally reaped rewards for the supporters of a South Lakeland charity whose Silver Jubilee campaign captured hearts across the region.

This week, CancerCare proudly reopened its therapy centre on Blackhall Road in Kendal and, thanks to an extensive refurbishment, it is bigger and better than ever before.

“We are absolutely thrilled it has all come together,” said Iona Price, centre manager and volunteer co-ordinator for CancerCare. “The new facilities and extra space will help us cope with the growing demand on our services and, of course, it is all thanks to local community, whose generosity made it all possible.”

For more than 25 years, CancerCare has provided free support, advice and therapy to people of all ages affected by cancer in South Lakeland and North Lancashire.

Its £2.1 million Silver Jubilee Appeal to improve its centres in Kendal and Lancaster captured the imagination of the region, with thousands of people coming up with weird and wonderful fundraising ideas.

The Westmorland Gaz-ette backed the campaign urging people to empty their pockets into special collection buckets.

CancerCare’s general manager Peter Hearne said: “We are really appreciative of the help we have got from the Gazette. The paper has been really supportive.”

Earlier this year, the charity raised enough cash to start work on the Kendal site and drafted in local builders, Lowther and Dawson, to carry out £200,000-worth of improvements.

As well as boasting a dedicated children and young person’s unit, the revamped centre now includes a well-equipped workshop, an arts and crafts area and modern therapy rooms.

The layout of the existing building has also been transformed to create a light open plan reception area, fitted kitchen and cosy day care room, which when the Gazette visited yesterday was buzzing with excitement.

Taking time out from a lively game of Scrabble, Eileen Rush, 82, said she was delighted with the changes.

“It is beautiful, absolutely beautiful,” she said.

In the arts and crafts room, meanwhile, the weekly art group were also thrilled with the new light and airy studio.

“It is lovely and feels so much bigger and brighter than before,” said Sara Pugsley, 52, who has found creative pastimes a help during her battle with breast cancer.

Seventy-six year old Alec Davis, who is shortly moving to Cheshire, said he was sad to be leaving CancerCare, especially now the facilities were even better.

“I always try to come but sometimes I miss a session when I am not very well,” he said. “I think there is something very therapeutic about art and everyone here is so nice. I will really miss them.”

CancerCare, which has been operating from a temporary home on Aynam Road provided by Meal Bank Properties, moved back into the Lakes Centre on Tuesday and an official opening ceremony is scheduled for October 3.

Mr Hearne also thanked the local people, volunteers and businesses who supported the campaign but said the Silver Jubilee Campaign was by no means over, with funds still needed to revitalise Sylnedales, CancerCare’s headquarters in Lancaster.

For more information about the appeal visit the website below or contact 01524-381820.