The partnership between Action Cancer and Gordons Chemists, which is now in its 15^th year, has been an amazing success to date.

Staff have engaged in all sorts of innovative ways to raise funds over the years including raffles, fancy dress and bake sales, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although the fundraising plans took place in slightly different circumstances due to Covid-19 restrictions, the stores encouraged their staff and customers to safely raise funds for Action Cancer’s vital services.

Mark Jones, Corporate Fundraising Executive at Action Cancer, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to staff and customers of Gordons Chemists for their tremendous support, both in terms of raising funds and raising awareness, especially throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“We understand the difficulties in raising money in the current climate and we are grateful to everyone at Gordons for their continued support for our free breast screening service. The service is free to women, yet each screening costs Action Cancer £120.  This year’s total of £18,500 will enable Action Cancer to provide 154 breast screenings to ladies right here in Northern Ireland.”

Melanie Talbot, Marketing Manager at Gordons Chemists, added: “We’re delighted to raise another fantastic sum of money for Action Cancer, a partnership which has been going from strength to strength. Our staff work tirelessly throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month to collect donations and they are passionate about making sure that our customers know of the potentially life-saving services which Action Cancer can offer them.

“Our customers have played a massive part by donating so generously. We know that the money we raise for Action Cancer goes directly towards saving lives. We’ve seen a significant number of our customers have a cancer detected because of a screening made available to them by Action Cancer, and because a member of our staff encouraged them to make an appointment. Supporting Action Cancer is just one of the ways that we try to give something back to the communities we work in.”

Action Cancer is the only charity which provides free breast screening to ladies aged 40-49 and over 70, those who fall outside the NHS screening age range (50 – 70).

For more information on Action Cancer’s services, call 028 9080 3344 or visit www.actioncancer.org

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 Action Cancer has once again teamed up with its long-term partner Gordons Chemists to launch this year’s Safe Sun campaign. At a time when travel is restricted and people are staying in Northern Ireland for staycations, Action Cancer is warning the public who are holidaying at home not to underestimate the strength of the sun.

Sun protection is just as important at home as it is abroad in sunnier climes. Outdoor exercise has become increasingly popular during the pandemic and as a result this is increasing the public’s skin exposure to the sun.

Men at greater risk

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Northern Ireland. Each year around 4,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer and 387 develop the most serious type of skin cancer, known as malignant melanoma. A total of 93 people die from melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer in Northern Ireland every year.

The statistics show that incidence of skin cancer is increasing in Northern Ireland with men being at a greater risk than women in developing the disease.

Connor Graham, Action Cancer’s Skin Cancer Ambassador, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 35. Connor said: “It’s so important that people respect the sun. When I was younger I took such a relaxed attitude and I’m regretful of that now. I used to think it wasn’t a good day on the golf course unless I came home burnt. I wish I had taken it all more seriously.

“As a Surveyor I work outdoors and would like to encourage all outdoor workers to follow the sun safety advice and to check your skin monthly for changes. Early detection saves lives.”

Community pharmacies

Melanie Talbot, Marketing Manager at Gordons Chemists, added: “Gordons Chemists is proud to support Action Cancer in delivering its Safe Sun message. Our community pharmacists have been at the forefront of service delivery during the pandemic and are here to offer sun safety advice to our customers across all our stores in Northern Ireland.”

Action Cancer’s Cancer Awareness programme which includes information on skin cancer and sun safety is available to organisations and community groups. Counselling and complementary therapies are also on offer to anyone affected by a skin cancer diagnosis. Visit www.actioncancer.org or call 028 8090 3344 to find out more.

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