Member Article

HATS OFF TO NORTH EAST CANCER CHARITY

NORTH EAST cancer charity FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together) is appealing for hats, fascinators and wigs as wedding season comes to an end.

The charity is appealing for donations in the hope that now wedding season and ladies day events are over for another year, the public will kindly donate their glamorous accessories to a great cause; helping those who need an extra confidence boost while they are undergoing treatment.

FACT supports patients diagnosed with a range of cancers by offering practical services and advice, including Wig Wonderland, their very own wig service which offers new wigs at low prices and re-styled wigs from £5.

Joanne Smith, founder and chief executive of FACT said: “Our bespoke wig fitting service is available to anyone going through cancer or suffering from alopecia. We offer styling advice as well as help with wig upkeep and the chance to try out a cold cap, a machine which reduces the amount of chemotherapy medicine that reaches the hair follicles which may make it less likely to fall out.

“Our centre is a homely and comfortable facility, with lots going on every day for people affected by cancer in any way.

“Hair loss can be an extremely upsetting side affect of some treatments, and something which can be an embarrassing subject for lots of people. At FACT, you can come along and find the style that suits you, ask any questions you have and know that you are surrounded by people who understand what you are going through.”

Wigs, hats and fascinators may be distributed through the FACT centre in Gateshead or may be circulated to the charity’s shops around the region. Proceeds from the sales will go towards funding new services including ‘Being Mam and Dad’, which supports children and surviving parents and guardians where one or both parents have passed away, and ‘Kids with Cancer’ a group for children with cancer and their siblings to have a safe place to play and just be themselves.

Cancer survivor and mum of two Joanne Smith founded FACT to provide essential support services that simply did not exist when she was going through treatment. A team of trained staff and volunteers offer everything from counselling for children and adults, mastectomy bra fitting evenings, social events and activities, pampering and beauty sessions to fitness classes, or simply provide ‘kindness kits’ of toiletries, food, clothing and other essentials for those facing financial pressures during treatment.

In the lead up to Christmas, FACT will be appealing for festive hampers to gift the service users at a time which for some will not be as happy and as fun-filled as it usually would be. Donations will be gratefully received at one of the seven charity shops across the region or the FACT centre itself.

If you or a friend or family member would benefit from support on living with cancer please contact FACT on 0191 442 0833 or go to www.fact-cancersupport.co.uk. To make a donation please go to https://www.justgiving.com/fact-cancersupport

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together) .