Take stock of your health

The Big Bus, which has supported 55,000 local people since its launch in 2006, will be providing free services including M.O.T. health checks for men and women (aged 16 plus) and digital breast screening for women aged 40-49 and 70 plus (outside of NHS screening age).

With such large numbers of visitors attending the Show each year it provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of health checks and screening services amongst the rural community. Visitors are encouraged to take the time to book an appointment at www.actioncancer.org or ‘pop in’ to the Big Bus and avail of this excellent service.

Seán Conlon, Action Cancer Big Bus Co-ordinator said: “Since 2006, 55,000 people have used the breast screenings services and M.O.T. health checks provided on board our Big Bus which travels to around 235 locations throughout Northern Ireland every year. We are particularly keen to raise awareness of our men’s health check programme in rural areas and amongst the wider agri-sector. To continue to build our rural links we are taking the Big Bus to this year’s Balmoral Show to offer free ‘pop up’ health checks to men and free breast screening and health checks to women attending the show.”

The main sponsor of the Big Bus, local foodmarket convenience brand SuperValu and its independent retail partners, have provided over £1.5 million of funding for the mobile since 2006.

Rory Sheridan, SuperValu Marketing Manager said: “We are very proud sponsors of Action Cancer’s Big Bus and the work of SuperValu’s charity partnership has gone a long way in helping bring life-saving detection services to thousands of people across Northern Ireland.

“SuperValu are very much about supporting local, and partnering with Action Cancer and the Big Bus at The Balmoral Show will help raise awareness of its work within the rural and farming communities. I would encourage those visiting to take the opportunity to visit the Big Bus and get a check-up.”

To book an appointment online go to www.actioncancer.org or call 028 9080 3344. To find out more about the Big Bus, email Seán Conlon, Big Bus Coordinator on [email protected]