North Highland Cancer Information and Support Centre lands a generous donation from Irish anglers
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A group of anglers from Northern Ireland have given a total of £3885 to the North Highland Cancer Information and Support Centre (NHCISC) which is based in Thurso.
The cheque was presented to Linda Sutherland and Jean Dunnet from the support centre by Jamie McCarthy, of Halkirk, on behalf of the fishermen.
At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic the anglers, led by Willy Darragh, Sam Glenn and Bobby Bryans from Ireland, together with Pat Quinn and Jamie McCarthy from Caithness, began fundraising to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for the NHS and other front line services. Calling themselves Anglers Against Covid they raised the staggering sum of £72,600 of which £45,399 was spent on PPE.
When it became apparent over the winter that no further help was needed, the decision was made to share the remainder of the fund between adult and children's hospices in Northern Ireland, two of the Children's Hospices Across Scotland (Chas) premises, and the local cancer support centre.
The presentation took place at Westerdale which forms Beat 8 of the Thurso River. It was here that Willy Darragh caught his largest ever salmon on the Thurso River and the support centre committee felt that it was the most appropriate way to show their appreciation.
The aim of the NHCISC is to provide emotional support and understanding that can only come from those who have been directly affected by cancer.
The centre, located at 5a High Street, Thurso, provides a free confidential service, that supports men and women whose lives have been affected by cancer. Also available within the centre is an extensive library of information on all types of cancer.
All the volunteers at the centre, which is available to anyone in living in the North of Scotland area, have had personal experience with cancer and can help discuss difficult issues such as fear and grief.
