GASTROCAN researchers at the University of Aberdeen are to benefit from £3,400 raised by Elan Hair Design in Inverurie.
Eco-friendly Élan Hair Design has raised £3,400 for the Grampian Gastro-oesphageal Cancer Research Fund (GASTROCAN) to help support its cancer research programme.
GASTROCAN, based at the University of Aberdeen, supports research to improve treatment for gastric (stomach) and oesophageal (gullet) cancer for the benefit of patients throughout Grampian. It also aims to increase awareness of gastric and oesophageal cancer to help patients recognise the symptoms of the disease and know when to seek help.
Members of staff at Élan’s West High Street salon have held a number of fundraising activities over the past 12 months. This included a Valentine’s dance at Inverurie Town Hall while the company’s creative director, Lanice Milton, also completed a series of sponsored runs, ranging from 5km to a half marathon.
All proceeds raised by Élan will help further the charity’s research into gastric and oesophageal cancers – which are among the fastest rising types of cancer, with rates in Scotland among the highest in the world. Despite advances made in treatment to control gastro-oesophageal cancer, cure rates remain low especially in comparison to other cancer types.
Lauren Milton, salon co-ordinator at Élan Hair Design, said: “We’re always eager to support local causes and are delighted to help GASTROCAN continue their excellent work.
“My partner’s father, Bill Michie, recently passed away after battling throat cancer for two years. The specialist care and support he received from Dr Petty and his team at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary was first-class and really helped us through a difficult time.”
Dr Russell Petty, clinical senior lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and consultant medical oncologist at NHS Grampian, said: “I would personally like to thank everyone connected to Élan for their generosity. A donation like this will really make a difference to our clinical research programme.
In turn, this will help us to develop more effective treatments so that we are able to offer all patients in the Grampian area the very best treatments available. In doing so, we will improve the cure rates for oesophageal and gastric cancers.”
Husband and wife Gordon and Lorna Milton run Élan Hair Design with their daughters Lanice and Lauren. The business, which currently has a team of 13, was established more than 40 years ago.
Élan recently completed an innovative refurbishment project which incorporated a multitude of environmentally-friendly initiatives; creating what is believed to be the UK’s most eco-friendly hair salon.
This includes the use of recyclable materials, photovoltaic panels to reduce electricity bills and LED lighting. The salon even sends customers’ hair, along with other biodegradable waste, to be spread as compost on local farmers’ fields.
The project has led to a number of national award wins in the past 12 months, including collecting the Sustainability honour at the Chamber Awards, organised by the British Chambers of Commerce.