Newry M&S worker raises £2,815 for Action Cancer

A Marks & Spencer employee from Newry has raised £2,815.31 for Action Cancer after taking on a series of fundraising challenges, including a skydive and a ten hour cycle. Conor Wilson, aged 22, was inspired to take part after his family's own experience with cancer and the support they received from local charities.

The week before his skydive, Conor organised an all day charity cycle in the M&S Newry store, where colleagues and customers got involved to support the fundraiser in which he personally spent ten hours cycling. On Friday 17 July, he then took part in a skydive at Skydive Ireland in Garvagh, bringing his total fundraising figure to £2,815.31 for the charity.

Speaking about his motivation, Conor said the cause is deeply personal to him. "When my mum was diagnosed with cancer, our family experienced first-hand how invaluable the support provided by local cancer charities can be. The emotional support she received throughout her treatment made an enormous difference, not only to her but to all of us."

He added that his mother's recovery has stayed with him. "Thankfully, my mum is now in remission, which is something I'll always be incredibly grateful for. Seeing first-hand the incredible support our family received is something that will stay with me forever, and it's what inspired me to challenge myself, take the leap for Action Cancer, and help raise funds so they can continue supporting other people and families facing cancer."

Melanie Madden, Store Manager at M&S Newry and Regional Charity Champion, praised Conor's commitment to the cause. "One of the most rewarding parts of my role as Regional Charity Champion is seeing colleagues across Northern Ireland go above and beyond to support our charity partnerships, and Conor is a fantastic example of that.

"Our partnership with Action Cancer is about so much more than fundraising, it's about coming together to support a cause that touches so many lives across Northern Ireland.

"We are incredibly proud of Conor and his willingness to step outside his comfort zone to support such an important cause. Knowing the personal motivation behind his fundraising makes his achievement even more meaningful, and we're delighted his efforts will help Action Cancer continue supporting local people and families when they need it most."

Action Cancer is Marks & Spencer's regional charity partner in Northern Ireland, providing health checks, cancer awareness and support services to thousands of people each year, with funds raised by M&S colleagues helping to ensure these services remain available to those who need them most.