A North-east cancer charity has received a six-figure funding boost from a US-based foundation established by an Aberdeen technology entrepreneur.
CLAN Cancer Support has received £100,000 from the Cormack Family Foundation, which was established by Dave Cormack and his wife Fiona in 2001.
Dave and Fiona were in Aberdeen to officially hand over the funding to representatives from the organisation and discuss how the major gift will help to ensure CLAN can continue to provide professional cancer support services to clients throughout North-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
The couple first visited CLAN House during a trip to Aberdeen late last year and having been so impressed by the charity’s work, decided to do what they could to support the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
Since being established 35 years ago, CLAN has grown to provide support in the heart of communities through 13 wellbeing and support centres and community outreach facilities. The organisation now needs to raise £2.5m each year to deliver its vital services.
During the visit, they spent time speaking with clients, volunteers, practitioners and staff, including people who are currently staying in CLAN’s bed and breakfast facility, CLAN Haven, while attending Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment.
Mr Cormack said: “It is a great privilege for Fiona and I to be able to personally present CLAN with £100,000 to support the charity’s invaluable work.
“During our previous visit to CLAN, we were impressed by CLAN’s approach to addressing the challenges faced by those living with a cancer diagnosis in Aberdeen and in remote and rural communities in the north-east and further afield.
“The practical support and information provided within communities through CLAN’s network of centres makes a huge difference when an individual, carer or family network is faced with a cancer diagnosis.
“Sadly, many of us understand the effect a cancer diagnosis can have, and Fiona and I were delighted to spend some time hearing how CLAN’s support makes such a significant difference to people 365 days a year.”
CLAN chief executive, Dr Colette Backwell, commented: “CLAN is one of the longest established charities in Aberdeen and the North-east, delivering services to people affected by cancer and their families for over 35 years.
“With the number of cancer diagnoses predicted to rise year on year, the generosity of philanthropists such as Dave and Fiona is crucial to ensure that CLAN will be here for future generations, providing cancer support services for our children and our children’s children.”
“On behalf of everyone at CLAN I would personally like to thank Dave and Fiona for their support through their foundation and I look forward to working together with the team to ensure the funding has the greatest impact for our clients. We are also delighted that the Cormacks will be Patrons of CLAN’s iconic annual Ball until 2024.”
The Cormacks have supported a wide range of charities and backed a variety of ventures across Aberdeen. As well as pledging £1m to Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust, of which Mr Cormack is vice chairman, the couple recently funded several medical and business scholarship places at Aberdeen University.
Through the work of the foundation, the family has supported charities across the world, whilst also making an impact within their home city.
Dave Cormack, Fiona Cormack, Andrew Lawtie CLAN vice chairman, Dr Colette Backwell CLAN CEO, Hugh Little, CLAN chairman