Updated; Wednesday 29th April 2020.
Message from our CEO Kate Alden:
“The Helen Rollason Cancer Charity is determined to continue supporting those living with cancer during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Trustees and I are looking at the implications this is having on the Charity and the potential long terms effects. We will endeavour, for as long as it is permissible and safe to do so, to operate all functions of the Charity to the best of our ability.
Note: Following Government guidelines all our Support Centres and shops closed on 23rd March 2020. The Fundraising Team, several managers, and some administration and finance staff stopped working on 31st March 2020. There are some therapists still working and they will be making welfare calls, by telephone, to clients and there is also an emergency/crisis counselling service still in operation. The Charity will post updates about reopening of services once instruction is received that it is allowed and safe to do so.
Our income for March to May 2020 was expected to be £160,000. We are very grateful for the donations we are still receiving but with our shops closed, community fundraising events cancelled and our flagship events such as Vintage Fair and Ride for Helen being cancelled or postponed there is a significant deficit. Thank you to those people who signed up for the 2.6 Challenge; it was great to see the innovative ideas people had.
I am pleased to say we are still providing support. Welfare calls are being made, via telephone, to touch base with clients to let them know we are thinking about them, to let them know we are looking forward to welcoming them back to our Support Centres and Support Groups and to make them aware of the online and virtual activities and support groups available, free of charge, via our website and social media. We have also created a directory on our website of other agencies and organisations that could provide additional support to clients.
I am asking you, our fantastic supporters to help us get through these unprecedented times. We have launched a new online fundraising campaign which you can find by using the button below.
Of course Covid-19 is at the forefront of all of our minds, but even once it has calmed down, cancer will still be there. On average 1,000 people in the UK will face a cancer diagnosis every day and 450 others will die. Please help us support them, both now during this time of unrest, and in the months and years to come.
At a time where the future is uncertain I would like to thank you for your continued support and I hope you and your family are safe and well.”
Kate Alden – CEO Helen Rollason Cancer Charity
