Aurora is our new adopted charity

TO START the new year the Guardian is proud to announce its adopted charity for 2012.

After much deliberation and having read through many worthy nominations, we have decided to award the accolade to Aurora Wellbeing Charity.

Over the next 12 months we will bring you an insight into the cancer charity, as it works to bring an iconic Worksop building back into use.

The old Worksop Library on Memorial Avenue will become Aurora Wellbeing Centre, a therapy haven for cancer patients across Bassetlaw.

The charity, which has a similar centre at Montagu Hospital at Mexborough, near Doncaster, offers beauty treatments, therapies and that all important feel good factor.

Fundraiser Sally Richardson said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected as the adopted charity for 2012.”

“The Guardian has always been very supportive of charity work in Bassetlaw, and I know it made such a difference for Bassetlaw Breastcare Appeal when they were the adopted charity.”

Sally said work was due to start on transforming the inside of Worksop’s old library into Aurora Wellbeing Centre in April this year.

The plan is to build beauty therapy rooms, a tea room, charity shop, gentle gym and conference rooms for hire.

“It is going to change people’s lives in Bassetlaw,” said Sally.

“We all know someone who has been affected by cancer and it will make the world of difference for them to receive this treatment locally.”

Aurora Wellbeing Charity has been granted a 25 year lease for the original 1930s building.

“We are sure many people will be thrilled to see this beautiful art deco building brought back into use,” said Sally.

Aurora has developed a four phase plan and needs around £500,000 to get the centre fully up and running.

“We already have £50,000 in our account, but there’s still a long way to go,” said Sally.

“We’re sure with the help of the Guardian, the people of Bassetlaw will get behind us and help to reach our target.”

The charity was born out of a desire to help the psychological needs of cancer patients, explains senior project officer Alison Luscombe.

She said: “Cancer patients were getting excellent clinical care and treatment but we wanted to do something to give them a psychological boost, and being treated to a manicure or facial can do that.”

“It can help people to feel better about themselves, to feel like they are still important and to still feel attractive.”

“Sometimes people spend their first appointment just crying, and that’s fine with us.”

“Often they don’t feel they can let go at home in front of their family and it’s a big relief to be able to let it out.”

The Aurora Wellbeing Centre on Memorial Avenue already holds a charity shop event every Monday at Friday from 10am - 3pm.

From 1st February, every first Wednesday of the month will be Wellbeing Wednesday from 10.30am.

Sally said: “This is a chance for people to come inside and see what we are doing and have a coffee.”

“We want this not just to be a cancer wellbeing centre, but a community wellbeing centre where everyone is welcome.”

For more information visit www.theauroracentre.co.uk

l If you are raising money for Aurora Wellbeing Charity please let us know on 01909 500500 or email [email protected]