Karen Doherty from Cancer Focus Northern Ireland is a counsellor who works with cancer patients and carers in the Downpatrick area.
She is encouraging local people to hold a Coffee and Natter coffee morning or tea party during March to help raise funds to support the charity’s counselling service.
Leading local cancer charity Cancer Focus Northern Ireland knows there’s nothing quite as good for perking you up as a chat with the people that matter over a hot cup coffee or tea.
This March, the charity is calling on people in the Downpatrick area to organise a Coffee & Natter morning to raise vital funds for their local counselling and NurseLine services.
Cancer Focus NI counsellor Karen Doherty, who helps people in the Downpatrick area, said: “When you, or someone close to you, has cancer it’s normal to feel anxious, frightened and worried about the future.
“These feelings can be confusing and overwhelming and it can help to talk to someone who understands. Cancer Focus NI’s counselling service gives you time to talk one-to-one in a safe, non-judgmental environment about what is important to you.
“It’s a personal service that can help you adjust to a cancer diagnosis and move on with your life – and it’s also there for your family.”
Karen added: “I meet people from all walks of life who are coping with cancer. Those who use this Cancer Focus NI service tell me it is an invaluable lifeline. By holding a Coffee & Natter fundraiser you are helping us support more people when they need it most at one of the most difficult times of their lives.”
The NurseLine is a free cancer information and support line, manned by specialist cancer information nurses. The service is for patients, their family members or friends, as well as members of the public who may have concerns, questions or issues about any aspect of cancer.
Rosie Forsythe, Community Fundraising Manager for Cancer Focus NI, said: “Even the smallest donation helps, so whether you have two close friends over for some instant coffee or you fill your local hall with fifty latte lovers, the support is appreciated.
“Just £100 will provide four one-to-one counselling sessions with a person who needs our support.
“If you’d like to organise a Coffee & Natter in your home, workplace or community, get your fundraising pack at:
www.cancerfocusni.org/coffeeandnatter,
call the fundraising team on 028 9066 3281 or email:
fundraising@cancerfocusni.org.”
If you’re worried about cancer or if you want to discuss whether the counselling service is right for you, call the Cancer Focus NI free NurseLine on 0800 783 3339, Mon-Fri, 9am to 1pm.
