Put one foot before the other this summer and help rebuild the shattered lives of local families affected by cancer, one step at a time.
Those searching for a breath-taking challenge that will make a difference should look no further than the NI Cancer Fund for Children’s Slieve Donard.climb.
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Celia and Karen Bodel with Cancer Fund for Children fundraiser Ana Wilkinson (centre).[/caption]
The leading local children’s cancer charity’s flagship event will take place on August 24, so why not set a personal challenge and sign up or get a group together and have a great day out. The all-important barbeque at the end of the challenge will no doubt be an added incentive for many!
The walk to Northern Ireland’s highest peak is approximately five and a half miles and climbers will reach 2550ft where on a clear day they can take in exhilarating views of Scrabo Tower, the Wicklow Hills, Isle of Man and even Scotland.
This year’s climb is special as participants can pick a small pebble and write a message in memory or support of a loved one. These will then be left at the summit of Slieve Donard.
Even if participants don’t know someone affected by cancer, they can take part and support the hundreds of families living with the devastating impact of cancer who face their own daily challenges.
Karen Bodel from the charity’s Armagh support group along with her mum Celia and family friend Doris Hamilton, are urging people to join them this year.
The group which has raised more than £20k for Cancer Fund for Children are encouraging people to join in their fundraising efforts.
Karen said: “The Slieve Donard climb is a fun and challenging event that raises funds so this charity can continue to provide vital services to local families affected by cancer. I lost my brother Graeme to a brain tumour in 1994 so my family knows the devastating impact cancer can have. A cancer diagnosis is a parent’s worst nightmare. Now that I am a mum to a four year-old son it brings this home all the more and makes me realise the outstanding work the charity does.”
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Newry family Chloe, Ryan, Barbara, and Keith Doran holding pebbles with their personal messages written on them. The Doran’s have received support from Cancer Fund for Children. This year, participants of the Slieve Donard climb will be invited to write their own messages on a pebble and leave it at the top of the mountain. Funds from this year’s event will help the charity provide practical, emotional and financial support to local families affected by cancer.[/caption]
Registration for the event is £20 and minimum Sponsorship is £80. All participants will receive a fundraising pack with sponsor forms and ideas. Cancer Fund for Children’s Fundraising Team, based in Belfast, are always on hand to provide advice and fundraising materials.
To register or phone 028 9080 5599. Alternatively contact Karen from the Armagh support group for info and registration forms on 07793160619.
Or visit www.cancerfundforchildren.com/events
What NICFC Does.
Cancer Fund for Children also provides support to children whose parent or carer has been diagnosed with cancer through our Young Shoulders Programme.
Every week in Northern Ireland, three children, teenagers or young adults, aged between 0-24 years old, are diagnosed with cancer – Cancer Fund for Children works with around 350 families at any given time.
Cancer Fund for Children understands the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis and treatment can have on the whole family and that beyond the essential clinical care there is a family life that needs to be rebuilt at home and in the community.
Daisy Lodge Therapeutic Short Break Centre Now Up And Running
Cancer Fund for Children supports the whole family through the provision of short breaks at Daisy Lodge, a 16,000 sq. ft. purpose built therapeutic and wellbeing centre in Newcastle, Co. Down, dedicated to families nursing a child with cancer.
Daisy Lodge opened to families on 14 April and will be able to provide free short breaks for up to 500 families a year.
Daisy Lodge features six-double family suites, four therapy suites, a range of age appropriate play centres, two lounge areas, a restaurant, ‘home’ cinema and safe outdoor play areas.
In addition the new centre will allow Cancer Fund for Children to provide short breaks to families affected by childhood cancer across the Island of Ireland.
At Daisy Lodge families will have precious time to:
* Be together as a family during a traumatic and challenging time
* Benefit from therapeutic and holistic support provided by Cancer Fund for Children’s team of Specialists
* Share experiences and gain support from other families in a similar situation
* Create special memories together.
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