Cancer Focus NI, the first ever cancer charity in Northern Ireland, marks 50 years

Cancer Focus NI celebrates 50 years

Leading local charity Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has launched a major fundraising campaign to raise £100,000 for pioneering breast cancer research to mark its 50th birthday. Cancer Focus NI was the first ever cancer charity in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the charity’s 50th anniversary launch event, charity patron TV personality Rose Neill said: “I am delighted to support Cancer Focus NI during this very special year.

“We all know someone who has been affected by this devastating disease. Cancer Focus NI does fantastic work funding research, supporting those with cancer and helping us all reduce our risk of getting cancer in the future. 

“Over the years research has led to better diagnostics and treatments, and more people are surviving cancer than ever before. But there is still so much to learn and more research is vital. Please support this important appeal and help the generations to come.”

The new research project based at Queen’s University Belfast will study women who’ve developed cancer in their second breast, and aims to develop a test to identify women who are at greatest risk of developing a second breast cancer.

The results will help women avoid unnecessary breast surgery, receive the best, personalised treatment for their cancer and help save lives.

The charity’s first fundraiser of the year is called Cheers to 50 Years – Cancer Focus NI is asking everyone, whatever their age, to request donations instead of gifts on their birthday and give the donations to the charity’s research campaign.

Cancer Focus NI, originally the Ulster Cancer Foundation, has a long history of funding cutting-edge research in local universities as well as caring for patients and their families, working in cancer prevention in the community and advocating for better health policies.

Chief executive Roisin Foster said: “We are delighted to reach this 50 year milestone. We were the first cancer charity to be set up in Northern Ireland and have supported many thousands of local people since then.

“Our charity initially started with the aim of funding locally-based research into cancer and we are proud to say that we are carrying on with that tradition.

“We are calling on everyone to come on board and help us continue to help people for the next 50 years.”

To make a donation visit www.cancerfocusni.org/celebrate and click on the donate button. All the money you raise stays in Northern Ireland.

If you are concerned about cancer call the Cancer Focus NI information and support NurseLine 0800 783 3339 and speak to a specialist cancer nurse.

Last updated 5 years 2 months ago