Action Cancer hosted a corporate engagement event at Action Cancer House in Belfast to launch its “Champion a Room, Change a Life” campaign brochure and issue a clear call to action to businesses, foundations and philanthropic partners. Support is urgently needed to secure sponsorship for the final therapy rooms in the charity’s flagship Therapeutic Suite.
The event brought together senior leaders, funders and stakeholders to hear how room sponsorship partnerships can directly sustain Action Cancer’s therapeutic support and detection services. These services include counselling and integrative holistic therapy for adults and children from the age of five, acupuncture, scar therapy and a skin cancer detection service. Together, they support thousands of people across Northern Ireland each year and receive no regular government funding.
Speakers outlined the strategic importance of securing long-term investment for the remaining Oak, Walnut and Larch rooms, each of which delivers hundreds of specialist therapeutic sessions annually. The newly launched brochure highlights that a one-year donation of £5,000 can help to fund an average of 780 therapeutic support sessions. As the brochure states: “Behind every therapy room door is a life being changed. A moment of courage. A new beginning.”
Dr Terry Cross OBE from The David Cross Foundation said:
“Sadly, in 2010, our family experienced the devastating loss of my son David, who passed away from malignant melanoma at just 33 years of age. Losing a child is something no parent ever truly comes to terms with.
“I am delighted that The David Cross Foundation has committed £30,000 towards the Beech Room, which will support the Skin Cancer Detection Clinic here at Action Cancer. I would encourage everyone here today, and indeed the wider business community, to dig deep and consider becoming a Room Champion. Your contribution can make a real and tangible difference to local people and families facing cancer.”
Chris Birch, Trust Liaison Manager from The Grace Trust said:
“Action Cancer is an incredible charity that is improving the mental health of men, women and children affected by the devastation of a cancer diagnosis.
“We have committed £15,000 to sponsor The Willow Room for the next three years. During this time, 2,400 scar therapy and integrated holistic therapy sessions will be delivered to 402 people.
“We would like to encourage you to join us in making a difference to local people affected by cancer in Northern Ireland.”
Geraldine Kerr, Head of Action Cancer’s Professional Services, added:
“Action Cancer offers the most extensive range of mental health and rehabilitative support services for people impacted by a cancer diagnosis in Northern Ireland. These rooms are where strength is restored, pain and restrictions are eased, and stories begin again.
“We are so thankful to The David Cross Foundation and The Grace Trust for getting behind this campaign, and they have recently been joined by our long-term supporter Gordons Chemists through the business’s sponsorship of the Elm Room. Gordons’ co-founder, Neil Gordon, sadly passed away from colon cancer 12 years ago. The local pharmacy business has strengthened its partnership with Action Cancer by championing a room in Neil’s memory, ensuring his legacy continues to make a difference.
“Securing sponsorship for the final three rooms: Oak, Walnut and Larch is essential to protecting service capacity at a time when demand continues to rise.”
Guests toured the Therapeutic Suite, including the Oak, Walnut and Larch rooms, and received briefings on the measurable outcomes associated with each space. The brochure outlines that, depending on the room, a partnership can support between 720 and 800 sessions per year, reaching up to 134 clients annually.
New plaques were unveiled to recognise organisations that had already committed to championing rooms, followed by a networking lunch in the Thomas Andrews Room. The event concluded with a strong appeal for corporate partners to step forward and secure the final rooms, ensuring that Action Cancer can continue delivering free, high-impact therapeutic support to local people affected by cancer.
Organisations wishing to explore partnership opportunities or request a copy of the brochure are invited to contact Lucy McCusker at lmccusker@actioncancer.org or call 028 9080 3344 (Option 2).