A CHARITY that supports people living with cancer are desperately seeking volunteers across stores in Cumnock and Doon Valley.

Ayrshire Cancer Support have issued a rallying call for residents to get involved so they can open shops for longer and raise more funds.

The charity which provides a vital network of travel for those facing cancer want to get Cumnock open more days, as it currently just opens three days a week.

Their Mauchline store is run entirely by volunteers meaning that all profits go towards directly helping people diagnosed with cancer.

A volunteer who once benefited from the service Ayrshire Cancer Support provides now offers their time at the store in Mauchline.

They said: “Having used the charity’s services myself in the past, I know how important it is to give back. So, I offered by time ten years ago and I’m still here.

“It’s a great place to meet new friends and get to know all the locals in the town and you know that the money we raise here actually helps to save local people’s lives sometimes.

“That’s what’s so nice about volunteering for Ayrshire Cancer Support, the money we raise helps people who are your neighbours. I’d urge anyone who has some time on their hands, to think about helping for a few hours a week.”

Laura Brown, Head of Income and Marketing said: “We are looking to recruit additional volunteers so that we can lengthen the opening hours of our shops.

“Unlike most charity shops, both Mauchline and Girvan are run entirely by volunteers, which means that all the profits directly support people diagnosed with cancer. Ayrshire Cancer Supports shops have been set up to provide funds to pay for travel expenses to take people who have been diagnosed with cancer to Ayr, Crosshouse and the Beatson Hospitals for urgent treatment.”

Last year Ayrshire Cancer Support provided more than 11,000 free journeys to hospital appointments for cancer patients receiving treatment, with 90 per cent of journeys to the specialist care centre the Beatson in Glasgow.”