Action Cancer's new Big Bus all set to hit the road
Last updated 27th Apr 2021
Action Cancer has a new ‘life-saving’ Big Bus
It will hit the road on Saturday – replacing the older model which has been a regular sight across Northern Ireland for the last 15 years
The new vehicle, unveiled today in Belfast, will travel to 200 locations over the year delivering 2,000 health checks and 5,000 breast screenings
Charity Chief Executive Gareth Kirk said it would continue to save lives.
“The launch of the new Big Bus marks an outstanding milestone in Action Cancer’s history,” he said.
“The new vehicle carries on the legacy of the first Big Bus, saving lives and supporting people throughout NI for the next 15 years. We are grateful to have successfully delivered the new Big Bus to serve local people, in spite of the challenges brought on by the Pandemic.”
Funding for the bus has come from principal funder Walk the Walk, a UK breast cancer charity which has given £360,000 in funding and £50,000 each from The Garfield Weston Foundation, Ulster Garden Villages and The McClay Foundation.
In the next year, Action Cancer’s long-term partners Musgrave NI will aim to generate £150,000 in fundraising, through its SuperValu and Centra stores and head office colleagues, to keep the wheels of the new Big Bus turning.
The new Big Bus will, over the next year, travel to 200 locations across Northern Ireland, delivering 2,000 health checks (men and women 16+) and 5,000 breast screenings (women aged 40-49 and over the age of 70; outside of NHS screening age range). Action Cancer has adapted its services during the Covid-19 pandemic so that these can be delivered safely on board the bus, face-to-face with the use of PPE and stringent sanitising measures (in line with government guidelines).
Action Cancer Ambassador Elaine Loughlin from Poyntzpass whose breast cancer was detected on board the charity’s original bus said: “I believe that Action Cancer’s Big Bus saved my life. At the age of 45, my breast cancer was detected at an early and treatable stage. Thanks to this free service provided by Action Cancer, I’m still here, still alive to be mum to my three beautiful boys; Ben (20), Toby (18) and Rory (12).”
For information about upcoming Big Bus visits throughout NI and to book an appointment contact 028 9080 3344 or visit www.actioncancer.org/appointments