Action Cancer's Big Bus coming to Draperstown

The Bus will be hosted by O’Kane’s Pharmacy and will be located at the store on Tobermore Road, on June 24.

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. 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.

Action Cancer Big Bus Co-ordinator Seán Conlon explained why the public should take advantage of the service; “The Big Bus has become a well-known and valuable health resource for men and women throughout Northern Ireland, delivering life-saving services right to their doorstep.”

Donna Morrison, SuperValu Marketing Manager said, “SuperValu has been in partnership with Action Cancer for 12 years in support of the charity’s mobile services. We are extremely proud to play our part in the Big Bus service and to help Action Cancer make an impact on the health of local communities throughout Northern Ireland.”

Services provided on the Big Bus, which is fully accessible include digital breast screening for women aged between 40 and 49 and over 70, health promotion and MOT health checks for men and women. A full body composition analysis using the latest technology provides clients with information on their height, weight, body mass index and more, and also offers health awareness and weight loss guidance.

Big Bus staff can provide information on complementary therapies and other cancer support services such as counselling, a Listening Ear Service, Peer Mentoring 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 should telephone in advance on 028 9080 3344. You can book online by going to www.actioncancer.org/appointments, and follow the ‘online booking’ link on the home page.