Write a commentLast week saw the AGM take place of the Newry branch of Cancer Research UK.
The organisation has just completed its fundraising activities for 2014 with an astonishing £45,000 plus raised for the work of Cancer Research UK.
With less than ten committee members the group has organised many events during the year, including a Sky Dive, sponsored Walks, BIG Breakfast, Golf Classic, Street Collection and Christmas Card Appeal to name but a few. The committee have also enjoyed the support of many individuals from across the greater Newry & Mourne area, organising their own fundraising events and contributing to the overall amount raised.
Chairman Gervase McCartan stated: “On behalf of the entire committee we would like to sincerely give heartfelt thanks to the people of the greater Newry & Mourne area and local businesses for their generosity, support and continued assistance throughout the year.
Mr Gervase McCartan continued “The Truth About Cancer presented by Stephan Nolan was aired on Wednesday 4th February, exploring the issues facing several Cancer patients and revealing the emotional and physical impact that the ‘BIG C’ has on its’ suffers and their families. Quoting from the documentary; the earth-shattering words 'You have cancer' You will never quite be prepared to deal with hearing those small words and yet the reality is that one in three people in Northern Ireland will face at some point in their life."
Despite the increase in the number of people being diagnosed with cancer each year, the documentary explored the scientific advances that are given to patients in Northern Ireland and the higher chance of survival that is greater than anywhere else in the UK.
Commenting Mr McCartan said "This is something that we should be so proud off and it needs to be shouted from the roof tops. In the words of the Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University in Belfast, Prof Patrick Johnston - Northern Ireland is now “World Leading” in Cancer Research.
"This is why we do the work we do to support the 30 scientists based at the Cancer Research & Cell Biology Centre at Queen’s University Belfast to work on clinical trials to try and find a cure sooner. I am putting a heartfelt request to the people of the Greater Newry & Mourne area to start the new year and get involved in the work of Newry Cancer Research, to volunteer, organise events, run a marathon, host a coffee morning, get your children schools to do a non uniform day, as it’s for the children of the future that we want to be rid of this heartbreaking disease. Pleae help us raise vital funds to continued to support our scientists in Belfast."
If you would like to find out more about supporting and volunteering with Newry Branch of Cancer Research UK please contact: Mr Gervase McCartan, Chairman on telephone: 028 3026 2744 or Mr Paddy O’Hanlon on mobile: 07887 516 290 or any other committee member please contact via our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Newry-Cancer-Research
