Charities
GASTROCAN - Grampian Gastro-oesophageal Cancer Research Fund
GASTROCAN (www.gastrocan.org.uk) was established in February 2011 in response to many enquiries about supporting the research programme in Gastric and Oesophageal cancer in NHS Grampian and University of Aberdeen . Stomach (Gastric) and Gullet (oesophageal) cancers are devastating diseases and amongst the most aggressive types of cancer – only 1 in 10 patients are cured (in contrast with 8 out 10 patients with breast cancer cured) and also these cancers are rising in the UK (Scotland has the highest incidence of these types of cancer in Europe)- and so this is a recognised priority area for medical research.
GASTROCAN was established by Dr Russell Petty, Consultant Medical Oncologist at NHS Grampian and a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen who specialises in the treatment of Gastro-oesophgeal cancer, and leads University and NHS Grampian research into the causes and treatment of the disease. Dr Petty set up GASTROCAN to support the local research programme , but also by supporting research GASTROCAN aims to increase awareness of gastric and oesophageal cancer to help patients recognise the symptoms of the diseases and know when to seek help. The reasons why Gastro-oesophageal cancer is increasing are not entirely clear but there is a link with being overweight and so exercise and a healthy diet to help maintain a healthy weight are likely to be important to prevent the disease.
The excellent facilities in NHS Grampian and the School of Medicine at the University of Aberdeen provide an ideal environment and resources for cancer research and a key aim of the Gastro-oesophageal cancer research programme is to ‘translate’ scientific breakthroughs in the understanding of cancer as a disease into more effective treatment for patients. All funds donated to GASTROCAN are used to support local research efforts into these devastating diseases, to benefit local patients and enable the University of Aberdeen to lead national and international research projects.
Current research supported by GASTROCAN includes:
- Developing tests called biomarkers to enable doctors to individualise cancer therapy for patients to optimise the chances of success and minimise side effects, rather than the current 'one size fits all' approach
- Clinical trials of the latest new drugs for Gastro-oesophageal cancer patients
- Investigations into the causes of Gastro-oesophageal cancer
- Investigations looking at the symptoms of the disease and how patients and GPs react to them to help diagnose the disease earlier
- Discovering targets for more effective new drugs for the disease in the future
- Exploring how new imaging and scanning techniques can be used to improve how the best treatment for patients is selected.
- Establishment of the 'North of Scotland Upper Gastrointestinal Tumour Bank' which will be a key resource to support research into the disease
Recently GASTROCAN funds have allowed the employment of a research technician to support the research programme and currently GASTROCAN are fund raising to support a ‘GASTROCAN Research Fellowship’ which will be a full time research scientist to work exclusively on Gastro-oesophageal cancer research.
If you would like to raise funds for GASTROCAN then please download a sponsorship form.
GASTROCAN Fund is managed by The University of Aberdeen Development Trust.The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SCO02938
Rape and Abuse Support (RAS)
Rape and Abuse Support (RAS) is a female voluntary organisation run by women for women. RAS provides vital support and advocacy to female survivors of rape and sexual violence from the age of 13 years old, whether it is recent or historical.
RAS is there when a survivor of sexual violence seeks support.
RAS offers a variety of support which is led by the individuals’ needs and particular circumstance. The support is provided by trained paid and unpaid support workers, in a safe environment which offers the individual the space and time to talk about their experience without being judged.
Survivors can access information on legal and medical issues. Although primarily our work is with female survivors, we also provide information and support to families, friends and partners to enable them to support the survivor in the long term.
Initial contact can be made via the helpline, email or letter.
RAS was originally formed in 1993 as Aberdeen Rape Crisis. The service was provided by a small group of volunteers who were responsible for the running of the whole organisation.
On 28th March 2006 we became Rape and Abuse Support a registered Company Limited by Guarantee (Company Number SC299746) having our Registered Office at 88 John Street, Aberdeen. We are also a registered Scottish Charity (Charity Number SC019087) and a full member of Rape Crisis Scotland.
We are so grateful to the ladies who have chosen to run for RAS raising not only vital funds but much needed awareness. If you already have a confirmed place in Run Balmoral, but would like to raise funds for RAS then please download a sponsorship form from our website.
RNLI Lifeboats
Ordinary people doing an extraordinary job
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. We provide a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service around the coasts of the UK and RoI, as well as a seasonal lifeguard service on many of the busiest beaches in England and Wales.
Lifeboat crews are mostly volunteers, who come from all walks of life, and give up their time and comfort to carry out rescues and save lives at sea on the lifeboats.
With over 4,800 lifeboat crew members in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, of which over 340 are women, lifeboat crews are dedicated and make a major commitment - which could ultimately include risking their life. They respond at a moment's notice, no matter where they are or what they are doing when the pager goes off. Crews are regularly called away from their families, their beds and their work, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Often they'll leave a place of comfort to brave the cold and wet in situations that test their skill, strength and courage. Their lifesaving work is essential, often difficult and sometimes dangerous.
The commitment of crew members isn't only measured in the time spent involved in rescues. Increasingly, new equipment and faster boats also means that regular training programmes account for much of the time. This training includes boat handling, radio communications, first aid, navigation and radar training.
The RNLI's running costs average around £378,000 (€417,300) a day. For every £1 raised, 84p is spent on operations and 16p is spent on generating income.
