Wicklow Cancer Support to increase services after receiving €28,000

Over the last two years, the AIB Community €1 Million Fund has supported over 150 charities across Ireland. Earlier this year, AIB asked its customers, the wider public and staff to again nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities.

Wicklow Cancer Support has been providing practical and emotional support services, before, during and after treatment, to individuals and families affected by a cancer diagnosis since its foundation in 2004. All services are provided free of charge and are financed by fundraising and donations from individuals and groups from within the local communities.

Speaking about receipt of the award, Mary Heaslip, chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Wicklow Cancer Support, said: "AIB's ongoing support for local organisations is invaluable and we have witnessed the positive impact on other groups that received funding over the last two years.

"In addition to assisting with the costs of treating Lymphoedema, this funding will enable us to increase the services we provide to include preventative treatment in relation to Lymphoedema which is a side effect of the radiotherapy and surgery used to treat cancer.

"The nominations submitted by families, friends and others within our local community makes this award particularly special for us. We value the continued support and generosity we receive from our community and the nominations we've received show that our efforts are being acknowledged. Thank you to everyone who is involved in Wicklow Cancer Support, especially our volunteers, and a special thanks to AIB for setting up this important fund."

Wicklow Cancer Support cover Wicklow, Rathnew, Ashford, Glenealy, Brittas Bay, Barndarrig, Redcross, Newtownmountkennedy, Kilcoole, Newcastle and the surrounding areas. Support services include transport of clients to and from their hospital treatments/appointments, counselling, reflexology, massage, play therapy, peer support groups, acupuncture, chair yoga, meditation, art and Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy.

Anyone in the above areas affected by cancer is invited to visit the Wicklow Cancer Support offices at Unit 2, First Floor, (Rear of Boots), Abbey Street, Wicklow town, A67 WF74.

AIB have introduced, through a partnership with Payzone a new donation feature on the AIB mobile app, enabling customers to donate to their nominated charities directly on the app. The charities will be listed on the app for the year following nomination, before the following year's nominated charities are listed instead.

Speaking about the fund, AIB managing director retail banking Geraldine Casey said: "We are delighted once again this year to support over 70 charities through the AIB Community €1 Million Fund. AIB is deeply rooted in towns across the country and we are privileged to be able to provide much needed funding to those who are making such a powerful contribution to improving the lives of those who live in these communities. I would like to thank our customers and the public for taking the time to nominate these very worthy charities.''