Cancer survivor Bethany urging others to take part in walk for cancer charity

Cancer survivor Bethany urging others to take part in walk for cancer charity

20 January 2016

A BALLYNAHINCH girl who has been supported by the Cancer Fund for Children is urging local people to put February 27 in their diaries for a “woolly great” family day out.

That’s when the charity’s annual Winter Woolly Walk event takes place at eight special locations,  including Newcastle’s Tollymore Forest Park, with Bethany Courtney hoping the event is well supported.

The fun-filled event at is the perfect excuse to kick off those winter blues and rally the family together for a great day out in the fresh air all while raising funds for the charity that supports local families whose lives are devastated by cancer.

Nineteen year-old Bethany, who recently underwent a bone marrow transplant, benefited from the Cancer Fund for Children’s services after she was diagnosed with cancer-related illnesses. The teenager is now urging locals to step out in support of the charity.

“The Winter Woolly Walk is a fantastic way to get outdoors for some fresh air while also raising money for a great cause that has supported me throughout my cancer journey,” she said.

Mum to two young boys, Naomi Braithwaite, said she will be taking her family along to the event because “it is just a great day out for us parents and the kids.”

The first 600 people to register will receive a free pair of fluffy Winter Woolly Walk gloves with each of the planned walks ranging from three to five miles. There will be plenty of warm refreshments to heat cold hands and fun family activities on the day.

This year, Cancer Fund for Children hopes the Winter Woolly Walk events will raise £30,000. The charity relies on fundraising in order to provide its vital services which includes offering practical, emotional and financial support to local families affected by cancer as well as free therapeutic short breaks. 

Charity officials say they understand the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis and treatment can have on the whole family. Its team of experienced specialists help families cope with the impact cancer has on their lives supporting them during and after treatment and sadly in some cases, bereavement.

The charity has joined forces with Ni4kids as its media partner for the event this year in the hope that even more people will find out about the event and step out in support of local families affected by cancer. 

The Tollymore walk starts at 10am and for more information and to register call 028 9080 5599 or visit cancerfundforchildren.com. Don’t forget to keep checking the Ni4kids magazine and www.ni4kids.com for more Winter Woolly news and an exciting competition to win family passes to National Trust properties.