The group commenced in 1999 and was originally named MARINA ALTA BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, by 5 women, ( 4 British and 1 Austrian) all of whom had had breast cancer
The aim of the group is to given support to those ill with cancer and their families on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol.
The name was changed to that of CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) because the medical profession was referring ALL cancers to the group for support
The committee was enlarged to 9 to include 2 German and 1 Dutch speaker; we already had English and Spanish. At present we have a vacancy, which we hope will filled by a Spaniard.
All information is in 4 languages - English, Spanish, German and Dutch. This covers info on the type of cancer the person has, treatment, side affects, where to buy wigs and prosthesis etc..
The group also provides translators for clinic and hospital appointments. There is a small charge for this service paid by the patient but if there are financial difficulties then the group will assist.  There are drivers who will collect the person from home and deliver to the place of treatment, wait and bring the person home again. They are prepared to drive to Alicante or Valencia as well as local areas. Again there is a small charge and the same applies if there are problems with money.
The group receives no financial assistance from the local or regional governments and relies on fund raising and donations from local organizations etc.
A charity shop opened 2004 to raise funds, this is situated in La Jara and accepts all donations except heavy furniture. They are always looking for volunteers to work in the  shop, please contact Maureen 96.640.4507 for further information.. All monies are retained for the groups use.
There is no membership fee because a person who contacts the group receives all information free of charge and at the end of the treatment we hope that they will make a donation for our assistance.
In April 2005 the President received the MBE from HM The Queen at Buckingham Palace for the work that is carried out by the Group for cancer patients in Spain
On 9^th October 2005 , the group was honoured to receive the 9^th October Award for community work. This is the first time a non-Spanish organization has received the Award. This award is only given once a year to 2 recipients - 1 for Civic and the other for community work. It is restricted to 4 towns or cities- Valencia, Castellon, Javea and Alicante. 
The group now has branches with coordinators in Torrevieja, Marbella and Mazarron, but there are supporters in most towns
The supporters give their time free and only receive phone calls on production of bills and petrol money.

The group has a small store of wheelchairs, zimmer frames, electric hoists, wheelchairs lifts and electric beds for loan to those in need and Home2Home deliver to the persons home FREE of charge for the group.


Return to home page