A GLASGOW charity has been awarded funding to help vulnerable cancer patients during COVID-19.

The Beatson Cancer Charity is one of 300 projects benefitting from £65,000 provided by the Scottish Government’s Wellbeing Fund.

The money will be spent on 500 patient care packs and a befriending service to provide emotional and practical advice.

Gillian Hailstones, Director of Care Services, explained that people undergoing cancer therapy are among those most vulnerable to COVID-19 due to compromised immunity and associated health issues.

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She said the charity had had to make “significant changes” to the way it works during lockdown.

Glasgow Times: Beatson Cancer Charity patient care packsBeatson Cancer Charity patient care packs

“We have refocussed the skills and experience of our team and now we are hard at work preparing the packs and setting up the befriending service,” she explained. “Although we can’t see our patients in-person yet we’re still here to support them the best we can. We are delighted to be offering these enhanced and extended services for patients going through treatment, helping to prevent heightened anxiety levels, lower social isolation and maintain stability during this time of their cancer journey.’

Martin Cawley, CEO, added “Our amazing staff and volunteers are delivering this with kindness. This funding has been so important.”