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Latest news and updates from Cancer Card
Latest news and updates from Cancer Card
9 April 2024
We are pleased to announce that we are now listed on the NHS inform website. This is a really important milestone for our chairty, to be regonised by Scotland's national health information service as a trusted source of information for people affected by cancer.
NHS inform aims to provide the people in Scotland with accurate and relevant information to help them make informed decisions about their own health and the health of the people they care for. A link to our website has been added on the NHS website here, under practical issues for cancer. If you click on the subject i.e body changes and cancer - Cancer Card is signposted on the right-hand side of the page.
We really hope this helps people across Scotland access our information and support services.
28 March 2024
In the UK, the rise of cancer figures continues to cast a shadow over countless lives. While focus is rightly placed on the search for cures, the urgency of prevention and early detection often takes a backseat.
The reality is cancer doesn't discriminate. Cancer doesn’t care about age, race, gender, or social status. Although it’s not an equal opportunity killer, it is important to understand that cancer can affect anybody. The recent diagnosis of Princess Kate, at just 42 years old, serves as a poignant reminder of this fact. Her journey underscores the importance of early detection and the vital need for support systems, not just for patients but also for their families.
As Princess Kate navigates this challenging chapter of her life, it's clear that her husband and children will require unwavering support. Cancer affects not only the individual but also their loved ones, testing their strength, resilience and putting an enormous amount of pressure on their mental wellbeing. Here at Cancer Card, we stand ready to offer that support, extending our hand to patients, family members, friends, and even employers.
While numerous studies link cancer to health and lifestyle factors, which is definitely a very important connection to understand, the truth is that no one is immune. The royal family, with now three members battling cancer, serves as a key example of this. Their experience reinforces the notion that cancer can touch anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
It's time for a collective effort to raise awareness, promote prevention, and ensure timely access to support services.
If you have been affected by cancer and live in the UK, you can access our support services. Please contact us at hello@cancercard.org.uk
19 March 2024
Our CEO, Ian Pirrie writes about our Digital Inclusion programme, in partnership with We Are Group and Lloyds Bank. This groundbreaking programme recognises that not everyone is on an equal footing in the digital age, especially those facing digital poverty.
5 March 2024
In February 2024, we launched our digital helpline in partnership with We Are Group and Lloyds Banking to help those with cancer access and utilise online services.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted digital inequalities across the world, and here in the UK it is estimated that one in seven people experience deprivation across several dimensions of digital access.
Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Wednesday 24 January 2024
Scotland and Glasgow Warriors scrum-half, George Horne, is lending his supporting beyond the field as today he becomes the first patron of Scottish charity, Cancer Card.
CEO of Cancer Card, Ian Pirrie said: “This partnership highlights the significance of sports personalities driving positive change within their communities and marks a key milestone for Cancer Card, a charity dedicated to providing crucial assistance to those affected by cancer.”
19 December 2023
We're thrilled to announce that Gwyneth Scholefield has assumed the role of Chair of Board at Cancer Card. With a remarkable 30-year career at PwC, Gwyneth brings extensive leadership experience from her roles in the Human Resources Consulting practice and the Global Mobility team.
Gwyneth's proficiency in developing strategic, business, and financial plans, coupled with her background working across various sectors, positions her as an incredible leader for our charity.
In the words of our founder and outgoing Chair, Jen Hardy MBE "I am thrilled to welcome Gwyneth as our new Chair. Gwyneth's commitment to patient care aligns seamlessly with our values. I am confident that under her leadership, we will continue to make a meaningful impact, expand our reach to touch more lives, and drive innovation to elevate our impact across cancer support.
Gwyneth shares her enthusiasim, saying: "I am very excited to be joining a charity that has patient care at its heart. Jen and the team at Cancer Card are an inspiration and have achieved so much in such a short time. I look forward to building on the success they have to date with them."
Join us in welcoming Gwyneth to Cancer Card.
13 December 2023
What is YPI? The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative empowers students to make a difference in their communities, directing grants of £3000 to local charities through teamwork and research. Balerno High School students invited Cancer Card, and FOUR amazing groups of students chose to represent our incredible charity. Two groups then went forward - here’s a glimpse of their YPI journey: Group 1 (Myrna, Ailie, Lexi, Jenny & Holly): did a lovely, detailed presentation about our work. They also arranged the most incredible bake sale for their class and have so far raised £50. And they’re FINALISTS this Friday! Group 2 (Hamish, Evan, Ava & Ruby): Proudly have proudly worn their t-shirts and pins and delivered a second informative presentation to their class. They also showcased their acting skills to spread the word.
Our founder Jen Hardy MBE was brought up in Balerno and has a very special connection to the local community. Jen is incredibly grateful and proud of all Balerno High School students taking part in this year’s YPI.
Now, Group 1 is gearing up for the final showcase where they’ll present their creative and compelling case for Cancer Card.
Let’s wish them the best of luck!
08 November 2023
Cancer Card is excited to welcome Ewen Fleming, an accomplished professional, to our board of trustees. With an impressive career that spans industry and professional services, Ewen, currently Partner, Head of Consulting, and Financial Services Sector Leader at Johnston Carmichael LLP, brings a wealth of expertise to our charity.
Over his career Ewen has worked across financial services, and extensively in Retail/SME Banking, and has been responsible for commercial strategy, distribution and risk. Before joining Johnston Carmichael to lead their Financial Services sector approach, and grow their Consulting presence, Ewen was Practice Leader of Grant Thornton’s Financial Services Group and responsible for strategy and commercial & people outcomes
Ewen's commitment to the third sector, demonstrated through pro bono consulting for charities and his previous role on Shelter Scotland's Management Committee, aligns with Cancer Card's mission to support those affected by cancer.
Ewen said: 'Having worked with Cancer Card over the last 12 months I am delighted to have the opportunity to take a deeper role as a Trustee. Jen’s experiences and passion to use those to benefit anyone whose life has been touched by cancer is incredibly inspiring. I very much hope that my professional and life experience can be applied to support the growth and impact of this impressive charity.'
Our founder, Jen Hardy MBE, speaks highly of Ewen: 'Ewen has a profound passion and a proven track record in operationalising and scaling strategies for sustainable business outcomes. We are privileged to welcome Ewen to our team and eagerly anticipate harnessing his strategic insights to further our mission. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Ewen, who is set to become an integral part of Cancer Card.'
01 October 2023
We’re delighted to see our founder Jen Hardy MBE and CEO Ian Pirrie feature in this week’s Sunday Post, talking about the trial of our new Cancer Card Comfort Boxes.
Miles Briggs MSP and co-chair of the Cross Party Group on Cancer said ‘When people get a cancer diagnosis, it is devastating. I’ve been meeting with the First Minister over the Comfort Box and he is very mindful of the work Jen and her team are doing. We are all very happy to see how this innovative scheme will help patients holistically’.
Each Comfort Box includes:
A huge thank you to Natwest for their generous contribution, sourcing the hats, scarves, and gloves, and to Sheena Hales Skillbank for making it possible.
"Comfort Box is a symbol of care and support" - Jen Hardy
Our founder, Jen Hardy's latest piece in the Scotsman reflects on a busy few months and how positive feedback is helping to drive the charity's renewed focus on supporting people living with cancer. Discover how our Comfort Boxes are becoming symbols of care and support.
We are thrilled to share some wonderful news with our incredible Cancer Card community. Cancer Card has been awarded the prestigious Cyber Essentials Plus certification, a significant milestone in our commitment to data security and safeguarding our valuable resources.
Our founder Jen Hardy said: "This accreditation is a testament to Cancer Card's dedication to protecting our donors, partners, and beneficiaries against cyber threats. By achieving Cyber Essentials Plus, we have demonstrated our organisation's robust cybersecurity measures, ensuring the highest level of data protection throughout our operations. At Cancer Card, we recognise that data security is of utmost importance, and we continuously strive to maintain the trust placed in us by our supporters. This achievement underscores our commitment to implementing industry-leading practices and maintaining the highest standards of information security.
Our CEO Ian Pirrie said: "I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional team who worked tirelessly to meet the rigorous requirements of Cyber Essentials Plus. Their dedication, expertise and steadfast focus on protecting our stakeholders have made this achievement possible. Moving forward, Cancer Card remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of data security and privacy. We will continue to invest in cutting-edge technology, implement robust security measures, and stay vigilant against emerging threats."
Jen Hardy, The Scotsman, 20 June 2023
Our founder Jen appears in today's Scotsman
"For employers, this can be an incredibly useful source of information. By providing employers with a better understanding of what their employees are going through and the available help, often difficult conversations can be made more manageable." Read more
Jen Hardy, founder of Cancer Card which supports anyone affected by cancer, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2023. The honorary awards recognise the most inspiring achievements and service of people across the UK.
Jen founded Cancer Card following her diagnosis of incurable breast cancer in 2017. Facing her own struggles in trying to access the correct support for herself and her family, she has made it her aim to ensure that no cancer patient in Scotland will ever have to face the same challenges.
June 2023
Hear from our founder Jen Hardy as she explains why she started Cancer Card and find out more about our progress so far.
Ian Pirrie, The Scotsman, 24 January 2023
Our CEO Ian Pirrie features in today's Scotsman:
"Our focus for 2023 is to build on the success of 2022 and ensure that everyone who needs cancer support knows about our service; this includes our physical Cancer Cards. On the reverse of our cards is a QR code that takes users straight to our online support hub where they can start the search for cancer support based on their individual needs." Read more
November 2022
Such a proud moment for Cancer Card - our founder Jen Hardy and CEO Ian Pirrie were in the Scottish Parliament today to watch the members debate on Cancer Card. You can watch the full debate here.
Jen said ‘I can’t thank Miles Briggs MSP enough for securing this debate and bringing Cancer Card to the attention of Parliament. It was wonderful to hear such positive support from Miles, the Cabinet Secretary Humza Yousaf, Kenneth Gibson MSP, Jackie Baillie MSP and Graham Simpson MSP, each recognising the impact of Cancer Card’.
Ian said ‘Our online support hub gives easy access to reliable, relevant information, all in one place. With access to local and national cancer support charities and services, our advanced search and filtering options allow users to create a bespoke search based on their individual needs.’
Cancer Card ‘helping you find the support you need when cancer affects your life’.
October 2022
We are delighted to welcome new trustees, Worldwide Broker Network executive Alan Fergusson and former Ethos Energy CFO Chris Watson.
Alan and Chris join chair Jen Hardy, CEO Ian Pirrie and trustee Karen Macartney on our journey to achieve our vision to partner with the NHS by supporting everyone affected by cancer, enabling them to directly access relevant information, services, support and products.
Alan Fergusson has been in the financial services industry for more than 25 years. Founder of Kudos Financial Services, which he then sold to Mattioli Woods PLC, Alan went on to run his own consultancy and, with his extensive experience, took up non-executive director roles with several businesses. He travels extensively in a new global role with Worldwide Broker Network. Alan lives in Aberdeen and, having been affected by cancer as a son and friend, wants to give something back to help build Cancer Card and achieve its goals.
Chris Watson is an experienced senior finance professional and chartered accountant based in Aberdeen. He worked for PwC for 11 years before joining Wood Group, where he held several senior finance positions before helping establish the Ethos Energy joint venture, where he was CFO. Chris now provides support to Mearns & Gill as well as holding some non-executive positions, including working with other charities. Chris’s financial expertise, professional experience and commitment to charitable work will help Cancer Card achieve its goals.
September 2022
Our online cancer support hub is now live providing support and information for cancer patients, partners, families, friends, professionals and employers, all in one place, as they navigate the world of cancer.
To celebrate our launch, we held a celebration lunch, hosted by Provost of Fife, Jim Leishman, at the Fairmont in St Andrews. A huge thank you to all of our guests for their generous support. Together we raised an amazing £15,000 which will be used to grow our Cancer Card community and extend our reach throughout the UK, helping more people affected by cancer to find the support they need.
August 2022
We are delighted to be working with our charity partner Aegon UK
Aegon colleagues have devoted time and resources to support us through fundraising, donations and their voluntary hours programme.
13 June 2022
We are delighted to announce that we have appointed Ian Pirrie as Cancer Card’s first CEO.
"From the start, Ian has displayed significant drive and energy in supporting the development of Cancer Card" our founder Jen Hardy said. "And it is this commitment, together with his business experience, strategic vision and proven record of delivery that make Ian the ideal person for this role. Ian is ideally placed to lead Cancer Card providing continuity of purpose and taking us through the next stage of our development."
Ian said 'Having been involved with the charity from the beginning, I’m over the moon to be able to support Jen and the amazing team at Cancer Card on the next phase of our journey”.
Congratulations on your appointment Ian.
Jen Hardy, The Scotsman, 12 April 2022
Our founder Jen Hardy appears in today's The Scotsman
"This is the ultimate vision for Cancer Card - to assist the NHS by supporting anyone who is affected by cancer, enabling them to directly access relevant information, services, support and products."
Find out more how about plans and how we are changing the way cancer patients and their supporters access much needed information and support in the future. Read more
15 March 2022
It is with deep sadness we announce our much-loved Ambassador Stuart has died. We are sure for those that knew Stuart, you’ll agree that he was a very special man – kind, thoughtful, encouraging and doing all he could to help Cancer Card. We send all our love to Stuart’s wife Morag, daughter Alex and son Cammy.
Stuart joined Cancer Card in September 2021 and was soon appointed as the charity’s first Ambassador playing a key role in raising awareness, fundraising, and inspiring people to support the charity.
Stuart gave so much of himself to Cancer Card. He was always encouraging, forever inspiring and did all he could to give back. Stuart will always be part of Cancer Card. His legacy lives on in Alex who is our charity bookkeeper, friends who are raising funds in his memory and friends who have come together to bring their professional expertise and help move the charity forwards.
Thank you for all you have done for us Stuart, we will never forget you. You will always be a part of Cancer Card and we will carry you with us in everything we do.
Photo: Stuart Brown and Cancer Card founder Jen Hardy
Marsh Commercial said of Jen Hardy’s award entry:
“Our panel was blown away by Cancer Card and the incredible service and support it will give people affected by cancer. With one in two of us being diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lifetime, the Cancer Card website and community will be an invaluable resource and support to so many. Cancer Card will help people to find the things they need quickly and easily and connect with a community of people who are going through a similar experience. The work Jen Hardy has done, while also receiving treatment for cancer, is nothing short of astonishing.
Jen Hardy said:
“This amazing amount of money will now fund phase 2 of our online cancer platform – the development and content. We're on track to launch this year and we couldn't be happier!”
28 January 2022
We are delighted to announce that Stuart Brown, a senior figure in UK Banking, has joined Cancer Card as our first Charity Ambassador. Stuart brings his expertise, enthusiasm and experience of living with cancer and has already had a hugely positive impact on our charity.
Stuart said “Having experienced first-hand the helplessness of “what now” of a patient, family and friends when diagnosed, I am very proud to be an Ambassador of Cancer Card where I can highlight the information and connections available to all through Cancer Card, that will have a positive effect on all those impacted by cancer - patients, families, friends and carers.”
Please take the time to watch Stuart’s short video and if you have any questions or would like to help, get in touch by email hello@cancercard.org.uk
Angie Brown, BBC News, 19 November 2021
When Jen Hardy's voice turned to a "papery whisper" she went to the doctor thinking it was a throat infection. The Edinburgh mother-of-two was told she had laryngitis and that she should rest. But after five weeks of hardly being able to make a sound, she returned to her GP and was sent for a hospital scan. Read more
