CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE UPDATES

By Lucy Carroll

Inna Kukuruza and Alice Kennelly

It has been an exciting year at Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre, with Ballinasloe Credit Union’s community funding support for two years and the return of Reiki. There was an increase in new people attending therapies and an overall rise in therapies provided, marking a positive year for the centre, located in Cullen’s Yard off Main Street.
“This year was always going to be a challenge, but we built on last year’s success, and for a voluntarily run centre, this was a great achievement,” said Liam Connaire, Chairperson.

A couple of new members have joined the backroom team at the centre in the past few months. Alice Kennelly joined in August; she is a holistic therapist based in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

“I have been practising a variety of complementary therapies for almost 25 years. Reiki has proved to be the most popular. It was an honour to be asked to bring Reiki to Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre. I feel the gentle energy of a Reiki treatment fits so well with the ethos of the centre in that it can also help to support people emotionally as they navigate their way through their illness,” states Alice.

As a support centre, family members are not forgotten, and they too can benefit from a treatment. “Such care and support are almost tangible as you walk through the centre’s doors, and I’m privileged now to have a little part to play in this special centre,” continues Alice.

“It’s a privilege to have Alice. She has proved to be very popular and has fitted in well with the centre,” commented Chairperson Liam.

Inna Kukuruza has joined the team as the new coordinator, and the centre is looking forward to her contribution. She recently moved to the area from Galway City.

The centre will be sending out their Christmas appeal letters in early December to businesses in Ballinasloe, Athlone, Loughrea, and the surrounding areas. “I know it has been a difficult year for businesses, but all the money contributed goes to keeping the therapies going and the office open,” affirms Liam.

The centre is open every week from Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. It will close for Christmas from December 20 to January 7. For more information, contact 090 9649767 or 085 2311180.
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Website: www.ballinasloecancersupport.com
Instagram: @ballinasloecancersupport
Facebook: BCSC Centre
Email: [email protected]