Ayrshire Cancer Support have moved into the second phase of their development for their new property in Ayr.

The charity took over the former St Andrew’s Hotel in Ayr’s Prestwick Road back in May, and they are now hoping to complete a makeover and turn the building into a support centre for children and young people, throughout Ayrshire.

The charity raised funds to buy the building but now need an additional £400,000 to create a homely centre which offers practical and emotional support to all people affected by cancer.

Once done up, it is hope the new centre will play host to a drop-in centre, dedicated spaces to support children and young people, a large fresh room to run support groups as well as counselling and complementary therapy rooms.

There is also sufficient off-road parking spaces planned and landscaped garden grounds.

Louise Graham, Head of Cancer Support Services at Ayrshire Cancer Support said: “Having raised sufficient funds to complete phase one of our ‘Make it happen’ campaign, it is vital we forge ahead with phase two to transform the building into a homely centre to offer practical and emotional support to anyone affected by

cancer, as well as delivering traditional counselling, complementary therapy, and support groups.

“We are excited to be able to offer a new service for children and young people. The centre will offer dedicated spaces and therapeutic services to any child or young person affected by cancer. We also plan to host focus groups where children and young people in our local community can come along and tell us what services they would like to see offered.”

Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown, who is support the charity’s push added: “I know how vital charities like Ayrshire Cancer Support are to people when they are a facing a life changing health diagnosis. It was an honour to meet some of the team and learn about the amazing work they are doing to support people with cancer. This centre will bring vital services under one roof and it will be accessible to all by a variety of transport methods.

“I was so impressed to hear about the wide range of services offered and I’m overwhelmed by the care and dedication each staff member, and the hundred plus volunteers, have.

“Cancer touches so many lives and I would urge everyone to help raise funds to support this new Ayr centre and the #MakeItHappen Campaign, if they can. I may even be tempted to take part in their Boxing Day Dip myself.”