CUMNOCK drivers are desperately needed to help cancer patients get to their appointments.

Ayrshire Cancer Support are begging local drivers to come forward after facing a shortfall in the area.

They also want more people to know about the free vital services they are offering to patients.

It comes after cancer stricken locals have said they felt like they were missing out on emotional, practical and financial support leading to debt and even depression.

Cumnock Chronicle:

The National Cancer Patient Survey carried out by the Scottish Government and Macmillan Cancer Support found that only 66 per cent felt they got enough care from health and social care services during treatment, and this reduced to just 51 per cent after treatment.

But now Ayrshire Cancer Support are highlighting all the work they do to make sure local patients get the care they deserve.

Their facilities offer free massages, counselling, travel, sleep therapy and more to help cancer sufferers on their journey to getting better.

But right now they need locals to step up and help sick residents visit the centre as well as get to vital hospital and clinic appointments.

Charity boss Sandra McCall said: “It’s a really important service since not everyone has friends or family to rely on taking them to appointments or bringing them home.

“We have about 45 drivers currently but could do with a lot more , especially in Cumnock and surrounding areas.

“Right now we do about 1000 patient journeys every month.

“Transport isn’t all we offer, we also have a lot of therapeutic services.

“It basically treats symptoms that come from cancer or cancer treatment to make the process easier.

“There is also group sessions that people can get involved in like reiki classes to help self healing.

“There is support groups as well and counselling to help with the mental side of healing.”

Ayrshire Cancer support isn’t just for those who have become ill but also for loved ones who are going through the journey with them.

Sandra added: “There is also group sessions that people can get involved in like reiki classes to help self healing.

“There is support groups as well and counselling to help with the mental side of healing.

“This isn’t just for those going through cancer, it is also for friends and family to help loved ones get through it as well.“We offer a large drop–in facility, most of our treatments require appointment but for our drop in anyone can come and grab a cuppa and chat whenever.

Cumnock Chronicle:

“It also gives them a chance to familiarise themselves with our services.”

Sandra is now worried that people are going without their life changing services because they simply don’t know they exist.

Her fears come after only 35 percent of people with cancer in Ayrshire and Arran said they had been given a care plan - despite the previous survey showing patients who had a care plan had a more positive experience of almost every aspect of cancer care.

Now she wants those who need the facility to know they are welcome.

Sandra said: “There isn’t a lack of services in Ayrshire, we just need to raise awareness to the ones available.

“We have a lot of facilities that are all completely free that not a lot of people know about.

“It could really help people with their circumstances and we don’t want anyone missing out.”

Call 01563 538008 if you could offer your driving services or want mroe info about the centre.