A CHARITY providing therapies and support for cancer patients across Furness has received a £10,000 lottery boost.

CancerCare, which launched a new base at the Trinity Church Centre, on Abbey Road, Barrow in April, will use the money to continues its services for those who are undergoing treatment or recovering from the disease.

They include massage and other holistic therapies.

Private counselling is also offered from the Furness Carers' officers within Hindpool Community Centre.

The funding will also be used to promote CancerCare's successful Phoenix Facebook group that ensure patients can connect with others facing similar experiences seven days a week.

The remainder of the sum, which totals £9,970, will help cover the centre's day to day running costs such as room hire, administration and staff expenses.

Rachel Minshull, development officer for CancerCare in Barrow, said: "The Big Lottery funding is great news for CancerCare.

"We only started to expand our services a few months ago and this funding is a major boost for our future plans.

"Our popular Phoenix Cancer Group was first set up in Lancaster last year with over 150 members so we are very excited to now open it up to Barrow & Furness residents too," she added.

CancerCare was established over 30 years ago to provide non-medical care and emotional support to local cancer patients and their families, with two dedicated centres based in Lancaster & Kendal.

It had been providing non-medical help to patients within Furness General Hospital but a report last year concluded patients would prefer to access therapies in a community setting.

CancerCare provides services to 1,500 people in south Cumbria and north Lancashire.

It relies entirely upon fundraising and donations to cover the £1 million annual cost.

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