Big Bus drives cancer services to Rasharkin

The unit, which is the first of its kind in Europe, will be hosted by The Aileen McCann Foundation and located at Fullan's, Main Street, Rasharkin on May 21.

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. The mobile clinic, whose main sponsor is retail group SuperValu and its independent retailers, was launched in 2006 to help Action Cancer save lives and support people.

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-3pm. Bookings are taken on a first come first served basis as there are a limited number of appointments for all services.

As part of SuperValu's long-term commitment to Action Cancer's mobile cancer services, which they have sponsored since 2001, the independent retail group has provided more than 800,000 of funding for the Big Bus, including 120,000 towards the annual running costs. SuperValu stores throughout Northern Ireland host Big Bus visits and raise funds to keep the service moving.

The Big Bus targets areas in Northern Ireland where cancer risk is greatest and where uptake of screening services is low. Individuals wishing to make an appointment for a service and groups and companies wishing to make a booking for the Big Bus to visit their location should telephone Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344 or use the dedicated email address [email protected]