The Moray branch of a leading north-east cancer support charity was given royal approval when it was officially opened this week by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Prince Edward was in Elgin to open the CLAN Cancer Support facility in the High Street, a service which provides free support services to anyone in Moray affected by cancer.
Meeting the royal couple for the opening ceremony was Lt Col Grenville Johnston, Lord Lieutenant of Moray, who introduced the Earl and Countess to CLAN’s chief executive Debbie Thomson and the Moray area services co-ordinator for the charity, Tracy Sellar.
Following the unveiling of a plaque to mark the opening of the centre Ms Thomson said: “We were absolutely thrilled to welcome the Earl and Countess to Elgin to mark the official opening of CLAN’s centre within the town.
“The visit is great recognition and reward for the team of local personnel and volunteers and it’s their commitment and dedication that has ensured that we are able to offer free support services in the heart of Moray.”
CLAN opened the doors of its drop-in centre in Elgin last year and provides a range of free cancer support services on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 4pm and on Tuesdays from 2pm to 8pm at the base at 227 High Street.
The charity has also established a successful monthly men’s group within the town, giving males the opportunity to come together in a friendly and supportive environment to talk openly to people who are undergoing similar experiences with cancer.
The charity’s children and family services manager is also present within the centre every second Wednesday, giving clients the chance to arrange a meeting in advance or simply drop-in to find out how CLAN can help them and their young ones.
For more information on the charity’s services in Elgin, people can drop in to the centre or call CLAN on 01343 544132.