Big Bus drives cancer services to Castlerock

The unit, which is the first of its kind in Europe, will be hosted by First Dunboe Church and located at the Promenade in Castlerock on February 4 and 5.

The 18 metre-long articulated vehicle with expanding side pods, houses cancer prevention and early detection services and staff on the unit also provide information about support services.

Services provided on the Big Bus, which is fully accessible for people with disabilities by means of a wheelchair lift, include digital breast screening for women aged between 40 and 49 and over 70, and health promotion and MOT health checks for men and women.

Big Bus staff can provide information on complementary therapies and other cancer support services such as counselling, a Listening Ear Service, and support groups, which are available for cancer patients, their carers and families at the charity's headquarters in Belfast and at other locations.

Anyone interested in making an appointment for the Big Bus should telephone Action Cancer in advance on 028 9080 3344. Appointments will be available from 10am to 3pm. Bookings are taken on a first come first served basis as there are a limited number of appointments for all services.