Clan Cancer Support's Comfort and Joy Christmas Appeal is returning for a second year after raising more than £17,000 through its inaugural campaign, helping to provide vital support for local people impacted by cancer across the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
The appeal invites individuals and businesses to give a meaningful gift this Christmas by supporting Clan's free cancer support services. Supporters can browse the Comfort and Joy online gift brochure and choose from a range of symbolic gifts, each linked directly to services that help people navigate the emotional and physical impact of a cancer diagnosis.
This year's appeal is being launched with the support of headline partner, Harbour Energy, with Elgin-based piercing business Heather Milne's Needle Little Love supporting the appeal locally. Heather, who has experienced first-hand the impact of cancer and Clan’s support, will share her story throughout the campaign to help raise awareness of Clan's services and encourage others to support the appeal.
Heather Milne, owner of Needle Little Love, said: "When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Clan was there for both me and my daughter, Morgan, at one of the most difficult times in our lives.
"From emotional wellbeing services to accommodation and transport while I was receiving treatment in Aberdeen, what Clan provided made such a difference to us.
"That's why I'm proud to support the Comfort and Joy Appeal this Christmas. Clan was there when we needed them, and I hope that by sharing my story, more people will choose to support the appeal so that others facing cancer can access the same help when they need it."
The 2026 appeal features a range of gifts that help fund Clan's services across the north of Scotland, from the £20 Gift of Calm, which funds a complementary therapy session, to the £5,000 Gift of Confidence, which supports Clan's patient transport services for one month.
Graeme Davies, managing director of Harbour Energy’s UK business unit, said: “Through our charity partnerships, we want to make a meaningful contribution to the communities around us. Our partnership with Clan has continued to grow over the past couple of years, extending beyond fundraising to raising awareness of their work and creating valuable learning opportunities for our colleagues.
“We’re very proud to support the Comfort and Joy Christmas Appeal once again this year, helping Clan continue reaching people and families across the north east of Scotland when they need that support most.”
Last year, Clan supported 2,455 people affected by cancer, delivering 9,101 support sessions and providing 7,212 nights of accommodation for those travelling for treatment and appointments.
The charity provides free support for anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis, including family members, carers and friends.
Emma Panton, head of income generation at Clan, said: "The response to our first Comfort and Joy Appeal was incredible, and the generosity shown by our supporters helped us provide vital support to people and families affected by cancer across the north of Scotland.
"Every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure people can access free emotional, practical and wellbeing support when they need it most. Whether you're looking for a meaningful gift for someone who is difficult to buy for, or you're a business looking to support a local cause this Christmas, we'd encourage you to get involved."
"We're incredibly grateful to Harbour Energy for supporting the appeal as our headline partner and to Heather Milne and Needle Little Love for helping us share the campaign with the Moray community. Together, we hope to bring comfort and joy to even more people and families across the north of Scotland this festive season."
In addition to the pre-selected gift packages, supporters can make a donation of any amount and access a selection of digital gift cards and graphics to share their support with friends, family or colleagues.
Businesses can also request Comfort and Joy gift tags to display on office Christmas trees and help raise awareness of the campaign among staff and customers.
For more information or to make a donation, visit https://www.clancancersupport.org/christmas-appeal
