We are launching the CLAN "Here for You" Appeal to ensure we can continue to support people affected by cancer across the north and north-east of Scotland.

While we have had to postpone major fundraising events due to the Coronavirus outbreak, we have seen significant demand for our telephone support, counselling and online services.

CLAN's Chief Executive, Dr Colette Backwell, said: "Coronavirus is the toughest challenge CLAN has ever faced, but we are continuing to support our clients through this time. We support over 2,600 people every year and it is more important than ever that CLAN continues to be here for them, which is why we are launching the CLAN "Here for You" Appeal today."

"With the lockdown in place, we are all feeling anxious, helpless and alone, but imagine if you were also dealing with a cancer diagnosis. These feelings are amplified by the lockdown measures, separating families and friends and restricting access to face to face cancer support services such as those we provide."

Within a week of CLAN's centres closing, we provided over 500 telephone support calls, counselling sessions and contact with our Children and Family clients. We continue to see high demand for these services, at the same time as experiencing a significant drop in income. CLAN receives no public funding, relying entirely on donations, grants and its own fundraising events, all of which have been put on hold.

Fiona Fernie, CLAN's Head of Income Generation and Business Development, said: "We took the decision to postpone our key fundraising events and close our charity shops to ensure the safety of our supporters, volunteers and staff."

"Without the income from our shops and fundraising events, we cannot sustain the provision of our professional cancer support in the longer term. Cancer is not going away and our services are more vital than ever, so we want to ensure we are here to support those who need us most, not just now but also into the future."

"That is why we are asking the people and communities of the north and north-east of Scotland to get behind CLAN and give £10 or whatever they can, to allow us to continue offering these vital, professional cancer support services. Cancer changes everything, and so has the coronavirus, but with your support, we can give people affected by cancer the hope, reassurance and support they so desperately need.

"If you have ever had an experience of cancer, or known someone affected by a cancer diagnosis, please support the CLAN "Here for You" Appeal."