In the Community

Action Cancer Big Bus

SuperValu and its independent retail partners have supported Action Cancer’s mobile screening and health promotion services since 2001. In 2006 what we affectionately call the ‘old mobile’ was retired after almost 30 years service and a new state-of-the- art unit was launched – the Big Bus.

The Big Bus, an 18 metre-long articulated vehicle, which is the first of its kind in Europe, houses cancer prevention, early detection and therapeutic services for men and women.

In the first year of the Big Bus 4,500 people used the onboard services right, including almost 3,000 women who were screened for breast cancer using hi-tech digital equipment. In fact four new cancers are being detected each month and almost 40% of clients said they would not have travelled for services if the Big Bus had not brought them to their doorstep.

It is costing £1.5 million to operate the unit over the first three years, with £612,000 of that figure being committed by SuperValu.  As part of an award-winning partnership between Action Cancer and SuperValu stores host Big Bus visits and raise funds throughout the year to keep the service moving.

“The fit between SuperValu and Action Cancer is unique and our relationship has grown and matured over the years. It is exciting to see the positive impact the Big Bus is having on saving lives and supporting people and we will continue to help Action Cancer in their important and ground-breaking work, as it benefits the health of the whole community.” Nigel Briggs, Managing Director, Musgrave Retail Partners NI