Forres Cancer Shop staff raise £8000 for Clan Cancer Support

VOLUNTEERS who run a local shop have raised £8000 for people affected by cancer.

Eileen Goldsworthy and colleagues at local charity Forres Cancer Support, 48 High Street, presented a cheque to representatives of CLAN Cancer Support, Elgin, including Forres resident and CLAN volunteer Margaret Duncan.

Margaret said: “We are not government-funded and rely on donations so we’re overwhelmed! The money will be used to continue our services, supporting sufferers and their families.”

The local branch of Clan Cancer Support is based at 227 High Street, Elgin. It offers a drop-in Monday-Thursday from 10am-4pm where services include: emotional support and counselling; complementary therapies; nutrition, health and wellbeing support; dedicated children and family services; support groups; and a walking group. Accommodation for people affected by cancer - Clan Haven at Aberdeen - is open 24/7, 365-days-a-year.

Eileen confirmed that when Forres Cancer Shop is open, staff accept donations of items such as bric-a-brac, clothing, shoes, bedding and toys to re-sell.

She said: “If anyone drops electric items in, Waste Busters test them for us and we will only sell them with their sticker of approval. We also run a raffle at Christmas and have cash donation boxes on our counter.

“We don’t accept card payments, just cash. We’re a bit behind the times but we’re raising money for the Clan and Marie Curie charities which feels brilliant!”

Eileen confirmed the shop was started by her colleagues Sheila, Eileen and Jean around 36 years ago as Blytheswood Care at 47 High Street.

She added: “When we got the current premises we wheeled our stock over in Coop trolleys!

“We don’t have a manager - we work for each other and decide what we’re going to do together. We’re all in our 70s and 80s, and work in pairs to raise money for worthy causes.”

Forres Cancer Support has regular customers, including people who have been affected by cancer.

“I lost my first husband to cancer and I had it too,” said Eileen. “Most of us have lost someone or had it ourselves. Many of our donators talk to us about it. We are good listeners as we understand how they feel. We are not just a shop, we’re a drop-in. I’ve been here 11 years so I’ve got to know everyone and made lots of friends.”

See https://www.clancancersupport.org/locations/morayshire/elgin/ for more information.