NI cancer charity launches emergency fund for help after facing biggest crisis in 50-year history
Covid-19 pandemic leaves vital support for patients in jeopardy
There are fears vital support for thousands of cancer patients across Northern Ireland could be in jeopardy.
That is because one of hour highest profile charities says it is facing the biggest crisis in a 50-year long history.
Cancer Focus NI is warning that funds have plummeted to a critically low level because of Covid-19.
Chief Executive Roisin Foster said there was a concern they simply will not be able to offer the help for patients in their greatest hours of need.
Each year, Cancer Focus NI supports 6,000 cancer patients, their families and carers across Northern Ireland.
The charity is 90% dependent on fundraising but has had to cancel all its fundraising events and close its charity shops. As a result, it’s facing an 80% loss of income over the next six months.
"We are worried that we will not be able to keep afloat," Roisin said. "We fear we might not be here to continue to support thousands of people at one of the toughest times of their lives. "For each day of lockdown, another 36 local people get cancer, and cancer figures are rising year on year.
“We are still providing greatly reduced counselling and family support services to as many vulnerable people as possible."
Roisin said they desperately need help to survive and today (Monday) the charity is launching an emergency appeal for funds.
She said with the outbreak is making life very difficult for patients with treatments delayed and clinics cancelled.
“Our hearts go out to people who are trying to cope with the anxiety of coronavirus on top of dealing with a cancer diagnosis and the impact of treatment," .
"We urgently need your help and we’re appealing to everyone to make a donation, big or small, to save our services.
“Your donations are vital to us and every penny raised stays in Northern Ireland. Your support at this incredibly difficult time is extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. We can’t do it without you.”
**You can support the Cancer Focus NI by making a donation today on cancerfocusni.org/appeal