A CENTRE created to offer support to cancer patients has helped more than 2000 in its first year.

The Calman Cancer Support Centre celebrated its first birthday in its current premises, a converted chapel in the grounds of Gartnavel hospital.

It is a far cry from the cold rooms in an old hospital building with windows taped up to keep the draughts out but has taken years of fundraising by hard-working volunteers to get there.

The centre that is dedicated to providing emotional and practical support to cancer sufferers and their families receives no Government or NHS funding and relies solely on donations.

Moving to the new premises has made a massive difference to the organisation, according to chief executive Colin Graham.

Now more than 2000 people used the services available.

One in three people are affected by cancer but the figures are rising because of early diagnosis and improved drugs and treatments.

He said: "A cancer diagnosis can affect everything in your life: relationships, income and quality of life.

"We try and get you back on to an even keel, that's where we help significantly.

"A lot of people are coming in who have just been diagnosed but there are also people who are many years on, have survived and thrived and want to hand something back."

The new centre now offers couples counselling as well as online talking therapy, ideally suited for people who are living in the islands or find it difficult to get there as the Beatson covers a massive area from Oban in the north to Dumfries & Galloway in the south and all the islands.

Speakers at the birthday party include Andrew Robertson, chairman of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Professor Sir Kenneth Calman and the Lord Provost Sadie Docherty.

Sir Kenneth said: "The dramatic increase in the number of people the centre has been able to help in the last year is a remarkable achievement."

The centre's presence at Gartnavel emphasises its valuable role, according to Andrew Robertson, chairman of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

He said: "The services are invaluable in providing comfort and practical help."

angela.mcmanus@ eveningtimes.co.uk