Twin appeal for Cancer Focus

Co Antrim twins Daniel and Ben Callan are appealing to the local community to lace up their trainers for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland– the official charity for the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon on May 6th.

The five-year-olds would love families, youth groups, joggers, schools and clubs to enter teams for the fun run, walk or relay event and join the carnival spirit on May Bank Holiday.

They are also calling on everyone taking part to go the extra mile to raise money for the charity’s Men’s Health Campaign. All the funds raised stay inNorthern Irelandand will go to help men with cancer and their families.

The twins are making their appeal on behalf of their grandad, Declan Callan, from Rasharkin, who has survived cancer. Declan said: “Cancer Focus does a tremendous amount of valuable work with cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland and gives people a real lifeline when they are going through a tough time in their lives.

“This charity is such a good cause to support so I’d appeal to everyone to sign up for one of the marathon events. It’s a real challenge for runners but it’s a fantastic family day out too.”

Cancer Focus provides a wide range of services for those who have been diagnosed with cancer such as a helpline, support groups for them and their families, counselling, walking groups, a Sing for Life choir, creative writing and life-coaching.

The charity is also currently involved in funding new research into breast cancer and runs cancer prevention projects in schools and in the community.

In order to provide these vital services, Cancer Focus relies heavily on fundraising events and donations to bring in £3.5m annually. “That’s why the marathon is such an important event for us,” said Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals and Marketing at Cancer Focus.

“Cancer is one of the biggest killers of men inNorthern 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,” she added.

“Our focus for the marathon is on raising awareness and lowering men’s risk of cancer. You can help us do that. Whether you walk it or run it, whether you participate or sponsor someone, or volunteer on the day, your help and support are invaluable, so please sign up today.”

   To register for a marathon event go to www.belfastmarathon.com or for more information email the Cancer Focus team on belfastmarathon@cancerfocusni.org. For more about Cancer Focus services call 028 9068 0776 or click on www.cancerfocusni.org.