North cancer charities abandon merger plans

Two of the North's largest charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation and Action Cancer, have abandoned merger plans, it was announced today.

The charities, which in the last financial year raised more than £6m (€7m), started to explore a merger back in February which it said could cut costs.

However after initial consultation Action Cancer’s membership did not provide the support necessary for its council of management to pursue the matter.

A statement from Action Cancer said it would “continue to explore alternative ways in which the charity can work with the Ulster Cancer Foundation and other cancer charities to achieve greater efficiency while at the same time advancing our combined contribution to the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.”

The UCF’s chairman Professor Roy Spence expressed “regret and disappointment” at the Action Cancer decision.

“The vision of a new and enhanced cancer charity for Northern Ireland has not been realised at this time,” he added.

His board and supporters have been fully behind the proposed merger which, they believed, would have improved existing services, created new benefits and saved money, he said.

Professor Spence made clear he had not completely given up on the merger idea.

He said: “Whilst we are disappointed in the outcome at this time, we remain committed to the long term ideal of a new cancer charity for Northern Ireland that would bring together the best of both organisations.”

He added: “It is the Ulster Cancer Foundation’s view that the most important issue is not what works best for the charity; it is what works best for the community in need.”