Heartless thieves steal thousands of pounds of equipment from Cancer Support Scotland's new Gartnavel Hospital site

May 23 2012 By Joe McGuire

Calman Cancer Support Centre Image 1

CALLOUS thieves have stolen thousands of pounds of equipment from an under-construction cancer support centre.

The cruel robbery has delayed work on Cancer Support Scotland’s new home, which they had planned to move into within three months.

It’s another blow for the group, who are still looking to raise £165,000 to kit out the interior of the building – being built on the grounds of the Gartnavel Hospital – which will provide helps for hundreds of cancer sufferers each year.

The theft, which saw £5000 worth of tools taken, occurred between Thursday evening and Friday morning, with the sly crooks unscrewing plywood shutters to gain entry, then replacing them to cover their tracks.

Cancer Support Scotland chief executive Colin Graham said: “We are trying to create a new space for cancer patients and their friends and family, to support them.

“What these people have done is heartless and has angered us all”.

Site manager Richard Shields said that his joiners had been forced to stop work.

He said: “I’m just disappointed that somebody would do that. It affects the livelihood of our guys – a lot of them are self-employed. We’re doing this for a worthwhile cause as well. It’s disheartening”.

The new centre will offer practical support for people affected by cancer – such as one-to-one therapy sessions, talking therapies and support groups.

If the group can raise the £165,000 needed, it will allow them to treble their capacity to 1400 annually and offer additional new services.

In a bid to raise the funds, they are running a buy-a-brick campaign. People who donate £50 will be recognised on a plaque in the centre’s private terraced garden, while donors who give £250 or more will see their name engraved on a glass wall in the reception.

Colin added: “Cancer diagnoses are on the rise which shows how important our service is.
“The Calman Cancer Support Centre signals the start of a new era for our charity enabling us to help thousands more.  I hope the public will get involved and help us reach the £420,000 target”.

How the Calman Cancer Support Centre will look when completed

To give call 0800 652 4531 or visit www.cancersupportscotlandbuyabrick.org.