How we help
Friends of ANCHOR has delivered direct support to ANCHOR patients and staff since 1997.
The ANCHOR Unit (Aberdeen and North Centre for Haematology, Oncology and Radiotherapy) is a collective of specialised wards and clinics within Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. It is the central hub of cancer and haematology care for the north of Scotland.
Our person-centred wellbeing services are freely available for every patient within the ANCHOR Unit, with programmes also available for the staff caring for them. We invest in medical equipment and pioneering research to push the boundaries in how we diagnose, treat and care for people, while our pledge to promote clinical excellence includes funded development programmes for NHS clinical staff to enhance knowledge and expertise.
Our founding aim was, and remains to this day, to provide the best possible treatment, care and support to patients.
Uniquely, every penny of every pound donated to Friends of ANCHOR goes to the cause because our administration costs, including the salaries of the six fundraising team members, are fully covered by Aberdeen company Balmoral Group - as they have been since the charity was founded.
Watch our interview with committee member and retired chief nurse Yvonne Wright, to find out how we support ANCHOR patients and staff thanks to your donations and fundraising.
Pioneering research
Partnering with the local universities to fund innovative research to improve understanding of the cause, develop the care and discover treatment breakthroughs.



Medical equipment
Investing in leading technologies and equipment, over and above the NHS core budget, to ensure Aberdeen Royal Infirmary continues as a leading hospital for cancer and haematology care.



Person-centred wellbeing
Enhancing person-centred wellbeing for patients and staff through dedicated support and services, including specialised complementary therapies, mindfulness and emotional and practical support.





Clinical excellence
Placing a continued focus on clinical excellence for NHS staff with funded development programmes and training opportunities to enhance knowledge and expertise.

The Friends of ANCHOR committee
The committee is comprised of senior representatives from the ANCHOR Unit wards and clinics, and the business community

CBE, DL, DHC, Hon DBA, Hon FRIAS
Chairman & Trustee

Senior Charge Nurse
ANCHOR ODT Department

Nurse Manager
Haematology & Oncology

Retired Chief Nurse & CEAG Chair

Retired Professor of Haematology and Honorary Clinical Haematologist

Retired Oncologist,
Vice Chairman & Trustee

CEO & Trustee

Consultant
Haematologist

Deputy Managing Director & Trustee

Retired Consultant Haematologist
RAG Chair & Trustee

Senior Charge Nurse, ANCHOR ODT Department

Radiotherapy Manager, ARI

Consultant Oncologist

Head of Radiotherapy Physics

Senior Charge Nurse, Ward 112

Consultant Haematologist

Consultant Clinical Oncologist