Official marathon charity needs volunteers for race day

Cancer Focus, the new name for the Ulster Cancer Foundation, is calling on local people to sign up and take part in the marathon, relay, fun run or walk to help raise funds for men with cancer and their families.

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 Northern Ireland’s biggest annual sporting event - and help Cancer Focus at the same time.

“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. We offer a wide range of services to support people with cancer and their families and almost all of the money for these services comes from fundraising activities. The marathon is the biggest fundraiser we have ever been involved in so your help is invaluable,” she said.

“We are looking for people to help out on the day of the marathon, 6th May, manning water stations and relay changeover points, and welcoming runners at the finish line. We also need help at our information stands at the Marathon Expo from Friday 3rd May - Sunday 5th May, and handing out promotional flyers at a number of other events in the weeks leading up to race day.”

Cancer survivor Carol Annesley (pictured), from Newtownabbey, is taking part in the marathon relay for Cancer Focus. Carol became involved with Cancer Focus after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and joined one of the charity’s support groups. Since then she has been a keen volunteer.

She said: “A couple of years ago I was asked if I would like to do some voluntary work for Cancer Focus. I helped with bucket collections, mail shots, and marshalled at a few events - and really enjoyed getting involved.

 “Then Morag asked if I would be interested in helping with the charity’s walking groups. As I love to be active and know what the patients have been through I was very keen to take part. Now I am involved with the marathon, which is an absolutely brilliant experience.

“Volunteering for Cancer Focus has been very rewarding – I’ve made new friends and I love that I am able to give a little back. You’ll love it too.”

To find out more contact moragchambers@cancerfocusni.org, call 028 9066 3281 or click on www.cancerfocusni.org. Follow Cancer Focus on Facebook and Twitter.

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For more information please contact:

Marie Foy, PR & Events Officer, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, on

 028 9066 3281 / 07736 358692 or

 Niamh Callan, PR & Events Assistant, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, on

 028 9066 3281