Action Cancer's Big Bus pulls up in Banbridge

The unit, which is the first of its kind in Europe, parked up at SuperValu on Newry Street to raise awareness and offer support to anyone from the area affected by cancer.

The 18-metre-long mobile clinic, whose main sponsor is retail group SuperValu and its independent retailers, was launched in 2006 to help Action Cancer save lives through early detection.

Services provided on the Big Bus 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 also provide information on complementary therapies and other cancer support services such as counselling and a Listening Ear Service.

SuperValu 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.

SuperValu Banbridge used the occasion of the Big Bus visit to get involved in the Ballygowan ‘B Part of It’ campaign, which is supporting Action Cancer in Northern Ireland through the sale of special pink bottles of Ballygowan water. On the day of the Big Bus visit the SuperValu store promoted the campaign and staff wore pink T-shirts.

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].