Billy puts foot forward to raise money for charity

Billy puts foot forward to raise money for charity

12 September 2018

ROWALLANE councillor Billy Walker has raised £1,250 for Cancer Focus NI.

He raised the money during a 10-mile sponsored walk around Delamont Country Park last weekend when he was joined by Strangford MLA Simon Hamilton and Crossgar councillor Terry Andrews.

Cllr Walker decided to raise funds for the Northern Ireland charity which provides a range of services, many of which are used by families across the district.

All the money will go directly to the cancer charity’s family service which provides key support to children who have lost a parent to the disease which can leave them isolated, frightened and in need of comfort and help as a result of the dramatic change to their lives.

The Rowallane politician decided to raise money for the charity following the fundraising efforts of Downpatrick sisters Emma and Evie Telford.

The girls, who also took part in last Saturday’s fundraiser, lost their devoted mum, Lorna, to cancer almost four years ago and have organised a number of fundraising events since in support of the charity’s dedicated service to help families cope with the devastating disruption to ordinary family life.

Cancer Focus works to minimise the long-term impact on children’s emotional well-being when a mum, dad or close family member has cancer.

Cllr Walker said he is very aware of the excellent work the charity does in the area and the comfort it has brought to many families at what is an incredibly difficult time for them.

He continued: “This charity does amazing work and I was delighted Emma and Evie joined me last Saturday. They have done so much for the charity and I was delighted to help raise money for an organisation which helps local families.

“Emma and Evie inspired me to help Cancer Focus through their fundraising work and I want to thank everyone who sponsored me and gave donations. Every penny will help make a difference.”

Thanking Mr Hamilton and Cllr Andrews for joining him last weekend, Cllr Walker said he has seen at first hand the key support Cancer Focus NI provides for local families and their greatest time of need when a loved is terminally ill or has passed away due to cancer.

He added: “I commend Emma and Evie for what they have done and indeed will continue to do and thank all those who continue to support the various fundraising events which Terry and I organise to help organisations which are making a difference.

“The generosity which continues to be shown for our fundraising work is humbling and we cannot thank people enough. I am glad the sponsored walk was a success and that the money will help Cancer Focus provide support to children who have lost a parent to cancer or whose mum or dad is currently battling the disease.”

Emma and Evie said they were delighted to take part in the weekend fundraiser in aid of a charity which means a lot to them and helped them through a particularly challenging period in their lives when they lost their mum to cancer.