Cancer Focus urgently needs volunteers for half marathon

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland is calling for volunteers to help out at Belfast’s first Deep RiverRock Belfast City Half Marathon and Fun Run on Sunday 22nd September.

With more than 3,000 people pounding the streets, the charity is appealing for volunteers to help cheer the runners along, to hand out water at water stations and to welcome the runners at the finish line. You can volunteer as an individual or as part of a group.

Morag Chambers, Cancer Focus Volunteer Coordinator, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the official charity for this prestigious event. Not everyone is able to take part, but you can still enjoy the festival atmosphere by volunteering to help out at one of Northern Ireland’s biggest annual sporting event - and help Cancer Focus at the same time. If you’re there to support a friend or family member running the event, why not station yourself at one of our cheering group to help motivate all of the runners?

“All the money raised at this year's inaugural event is going to our men's health campaign. Every year in Northern Ireland 5,794 men are diagnosed with cancer – that’s 22 men every working day. Around 2,000 of these men will lose their lives to cancer each year. Cancer Focus offers a wide range of services to support local people in Northern Ireland with cancer and their families and almost all of the money for these services comes from local fundraising activities so your help is invaluable,” she said.

To find out more about volunteering email moragchambers@cancerfocusni.org or call 028 9066 3281.

Picture caption: Patrick Smith (4), from Bangor, races ahead of his friends and family in preparation for the half marathon fun run, which takes place at Mary Peters Track in south Belfast, starting at 9.10am. Also pictured are Roisin and Eabha (2) McGovern and Clare and Austin (2) Smith. 

The main half marathon event starts at Belfast City Hall at 9am and finsihes at the Mary Peters Track.

If you would like to help by fundraising please email the half marathon team at belfastmarathon@cancerfocusni.org  or call Rosie or Suzi on 028 9066 3281. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CancerFocusNI