Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Help Us Support It's Good 2 Give

 

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a campaign that is very close to our hearts at Balanced. For many years, we have been fundraising for our partner charity It’s Good 2 Give who provide practical and psychological support to young cancer patients and their families in Scotland.

Every day in the UK, 10 children and young people will receive the devastating news that they have cancer. Of those 10, two will not survive. Of those that survive, many will have long-term side effects that may significantly impact their lives forever. This is why we are passionate about working with It’s Good 2 Give to do all we can to help raise awareness of the devastating impact that this diagnosis will have on a family and how best to support those families through the cancer journey.

Judith, our Co-Director is an Ambassador for It’s Good 2 Give and her passion for their work is why Balanced decided to make them our charity partner. Here Judith talks about why she became involved, and some of the work Balanced does to continue to support this wonderful organisation that is working so hard to support the physical and mental wellbeing of young cancer patients and their families in Scotland.

"When I attended my very first Blingo event in Edinburgh and met It’s Good 2 Give founder Lynne McNicoll, I was so impressed by the charity. Their passion, dedication and commitment to their mission was so inspiring and I knew that I just had to get involved. All these years later I am so proud of the support Balanced have been able to provide to the charity and I am also thankful for the many wonderful experiences the charity has given us. Working to support It’s Good 2 Give is both humbling and hugely rewarding as you see first-hand the incredible and sometimes life-changing impact you can have on the people they support every day.

The work the charity does is truly incredible.  They work in partnership with hospitals and patient organisations to deliver the assistance that young patients and their families need. They provide practical support such as patient and parent packs that contain everything that you might need for an unexpected overnight in the hospital such as toothbrush and paste, shower gel, notebook and pen, a tee shirt, to name a few.  They also provide vouchers for the infamous snack trolly on the Schiehallion Ward in Glasgow Children’s Hospital, a buffet meal for families who find themselves in hospital on Christmas Day and New Year, as well as fairy box toys which provide a welcome distraction for young people receiving treatments, and a reward for their bravery too.

They have also funded two full-time psychologist posts in Edinburgh to support mental health, and aim to expand provision to Glasgow, recognising the importance of mental well-being in the patient journey.

They also host young cancer patients and their families at The Ripple Retreat—a purpose-built, restful place on the shores of Loch Venachar. It provides a peaceful escape and opportunity to relax for patients and their families, offering time away from doctors, procedures, and hospitals, in a safe and calming environment. The Ripple Retreat is a place for families to enjoy a peaceful break away from the stresses and strains of hospital appointments and day to day life.

The It’s Good 2 Give team remind me of the team at Balanced, where every one of us is striving to provide the best service we can to the people we support and ensure they get as much as possible out of their lives despite the incredibly difficult situation they find themselves in.

Over the years we have taken part in many events to support the charity. We have taken part in volunteering days at the Ripple Retreat, doing whatever is required to keep everything looking its best, whether that be a spot of gardening, painting or cleaning, we will do anything and everything! We also provided a much-needed pamper day for mums where they could enjoy some rest and recovery with Pilates and massage sessions.  

We have also hosted two Art Fairs at our Burgess Clinic that raised over £12,000 and were supported by a host of wonderful local artists who donated 50% of the purchase price to the charity. As a team we have taken part in Kiltwalks, my most recent one was in Aberdeen and I still have the scars from the blisters!, while other members of the Balanced team have taken part in 5Ks, 10Ks and Marathons to show their support. Myself and 3 others from the team are taking part in the Zip Slide over The Clyde event this week which I can’t decide if I am excited and terrified about! Either way, it’s all for a wonderful cause!

Fundraising is hard work. Even a target of a hundred pounds takes a lot of time, effort and perseverance. Nobody wants to pester people for money, especially at the moment. Nonetheless, we are so grateful for the support of our wonderful Balanced clients, as well as family and friends who really do get behind us and fully support our fundraising events. We couldn’t do it without you. Seeing the difference that the money we raise can make inspires us to carry on. After all, we all know it’s good to give!

This year is particularly special as It’s Good 2 Give charity founder Lynne is hanging up her fundraising hat at the end of the year, so we wanted to make it extra special and raise more than ever before. We have set up a Just Giving page where we can channel all of our fundraising activity for the charity. We hope to make 2023 our most successful fundraising year yet!  If you’d like to support our charity events, please visit our Just Giving Link here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/balanced23

Thank you again for your support, it really does make a difference."