We would like to shine a light on the lesser known charities in the Isle of Man.

Our next charity is the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association (Charity 188).

Founded in 1959, it is the longest continuously running cancer charity on the island - and was initially the only one.

We spoke to Sandy Denning to find out more about their work.

why did you form?

The Association evolved from the ’Friends of the Liverpool Radium Institute’ in the island which had been set up to support Manx residents who required radiotherapy treatment at the Institute in the centre of Liverpool.

We know that this precedes the introduction of the National Health Service in 1948 in the UK.

What has been your biggest achievement since forming?

Our biggest achievement is definitely the Staywell Clinic!

The clinic, has always been fully funded and managed by IoMACA since its inception in 1964.

The aim was, and still is, to give women the option of being able to attend cervical screening in a facility which is staffed entirely by female nurses and volunteers, outside of the usual working hours, in order to encourage more women to take up this important test.

Calling all ladies! If you have received your cervical screening reminder letter then you can call us to make an appointment on 642638 on Mondays and Thursdays, 9am till 2pm.

We are also very proud that IoMACA has had such a long association with Clatterbridge hospital.

Over the many years we have assisted with the funding of facilities for patients and specialist equipment at the centre.

There are around 350 new diagnoses each year and, of that number, probably 200 or more will have to go off the island for at least part of their treatment!

Recently, we awarded £400,000 to [their] new centre to fund three relatives’ rooms for relatives of very sick or dying patients from the Isle of Man, and we’ve also funded a novel treatment for prostate cancer which delivers more focused radiotherapy.

What is your biggest goal?

Our aim is to continue funding research into cancer with the hope that one day there will be a cure or at the very least, anyone diagnosed with cancer will live and they will live well!

As you are reading this article, there will be people recently diagnosed with cancer - one in two of us will develop cancer at some point in our lives!

How can people get involved?

Whilst we are not one of the largest charities, what we lack in numbers we make up for in enthusiasm and support.

Anyone, of any age can either organise or take part in fundraising.

If you could just give us a few hours of your time, once a year we would love to hear from you.

where can PEOPLE FIND YOU AND donate?

If you would like any further information about the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association, would like to help or to donate then please contact:

Sandy Denning

Executive Officer & Staywell Clinic Manager

Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association

Unit 6B, Middle River Industrial Estate, Pulrose Road, Douglas IM2 1AL

Mobile: 07624 252725

Website: www.iomaca.org.im

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter

Thank you to all our wonderful Supporters - we couldn’t do what we do without you!

l If you would like to see your charity featured, please email: [email protected]