COMEDY DUO RUN FOR CANCER FOCUS NI

Comedy duo Grimes and McKee and the creative team behind  the most successful comedy play to come out of Northern Ireland, are warming up before they take to the stage for the production’s 10th anniversary, by running  this year’s Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon on the 6th May.

The History of the Troubles (accordin' to my Da) team are doing the relay in this year’s Belfast marathon to raise money for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland (formerly Ulster Cancer Foundation).  ‘Team History’ will include stars of the show Alan McKee and Conor Grimes, director Paul Kennedy and office workers Joe Rea and Deidre Ashe.

Belfast-born Conor met Coleraine man Alan McKee when they were students at Queen’s University. Since then the pair have collaborated, written and performed on numerous occasions, including …. What the donkey saw and  Howl at the Lyric Theatre and several successful Christmas shows at the Grand Opera House.  The duo also had a hit TV series “The Tractor show”

“We are delighted to be taking part in this year’s Belfast Marathon and especially running for Cancer Focus.  Cancer is a terrible disease and we all have been touched by experiences of friends and family who have gone through it. 

Our show History of the Troubles (accordin to my Da) opens the night after the marathon so we are trying to get in shape at the minute both for the marathon and also for the show.  I hope people come out to support us at both events” 

Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals and Marketing, Cancer Focus, applauded the team for their efforts, ‘‘We are delighted to have Team History running for us and raising funds for our Men’s Health Campaign’’ she adds,

‘‘Our charity provides a wide range of services for men who have been diagnosed with cancer such as a helpline, support groups for them and their families, counselling, walking groups, a choir, creative writing and life-coaching.’’

“Cancer is one of the biggest killers of men in Northern Ireland, yet our research shows that they know less about the disease than women and are less likely to seek advice if they have any warning signs or symptoms.

“Every year 5,794 local men are diagnosed with cancer – that is 22 men every working day – or two football teams inside 24 hours! These men are our dads, brothers, husbands, sons and friends. Sadly, 2,000 of them die each year,”

“Our focus is on raising awareness and lowering men’s risk of cancer in the future, Team History’s support and contribution are invaluable.’’

You can do your bit to support Team History at this year’s marathon by donating on http://www.justgiving.com/Joe-Rea or signing up to the challenge too.  Whether you walk it or run it, as part of a relay team, or fun run, whether you participate or sponsor, your help and support cancer patients and their families in Northern Ireland. 

If you would like to register for this year’s marathon go to www.belfastcitymarathon.com or for more information email Cancer Focus Northern Ireland at [email protected]. The closing date for entries is 5th April, and the final deadline is 19th April, but there is a surcharge.