Dunmurry cancer survivor calls on locals to support new campaign

Kathy is calling on local people to ‘Support Your Girls’ and raise funds for breast cancer patients by taking part in Cancer Focus Northern Ireland’s fun autumn fundraising and awareness campaign.

Cancer Focus NI is urging women and girls to have a virtual get together and hold a special girls’ night in to raise money for breast cancer support for younger women in Northern Ireland.

The Support Your Girls campaign, which runs until the end of October (breast cancer awareness month), also highlights signs of breast cancer and stresses the importance of checking your breasts regularly.

Kathy, mum to Patrick, Jack and Aodhán, was diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago at the age of 34. She said: “I think a new service for young women with this devastating disease is an inspirational idea.

“Young women have their own special set of problems to face and may have young children to look after during their illness. It would be excellent for them to have access to experienced professionals who can answer their many questions.

“It’s also fantastic to have women your own age and in similar circumstances to talk to in confidence. This kind of support is invaluable.”

Rosie Forsythe, community fundraising manager, Cancer Focus NI, said: “This is such a good cause and a great way to raise money for charity. One in ten women in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common cancer in women.

“We know that there is a great need for more support among younger women who have been diagnosed. With the money raised from your virtual girls’ night in events, we plan to provide a unique new six week service that will give women a chance to speak to experts on a wide range of topics such as infertility and sexual relationships, as well as to meet others in a similar situation.

“The young women we want to help are at a stage in their lives where they may be making big life choices, such as marriage and starting a family. A breast cancer diagnosis can dramatically change all their hopes and plans for the future. It is vital we have the best possible support in place for these women, especially now when there are so many other stresses and difficulties in life because of Covid-19.”

Find out more about the campaign on the charity’s website, www.cancerfocusni.org/girls.