Children’s cancer charity appeal

Children’s cancer charity appeal

14 January 2015

A DRUMAROAD mum has urged local people to support a charity which helped her toddler son following his cancer diagnosis.

Georgina McKee and her family received support from the Cancer Fund for Children after her son, Eoghan, was diagnosed with leukaemia days after his second birthday in 2010.

They are now encouraging people to take part in the charity’s fundraising Winter Woolly Walk at Tollymore Forest Park on February 28.

Georgina said her family enjoyed a therapeutic short break at the Cancer Fund’s for Children Daisy Lodge facility in Newcastle during Eoghan’s cancer journey.

“It was like a sanctuary, a safe haven away from the gruelling routine of hospital stays and treatment,” she said.

“We got chatting to others and gained a lot from meeting families who understood the challenges and fears of nursing a child with cancer.

“The staff were amazing and looked after us so well. The food was delicious; it was like eating out every night.

“People don’t realise how much a place like that is needed until it happens to them.”

Eoghan has added his voice to the campaign — he says the walk will be fun for all the family.

Naomi Braithwaite, Cancer Fund for Children fundraiser, said the charity was hoping to raise £25,000 by holding the walk at seven special locations across the province.

“We are hoping that 500 families will take part and will be able to raise about £50 each to help us reach our total,” she said.

“£25,000 could provide a free therapeutic short break at Daisy Lodge for 72 families, or 625 one-to-one support sessions with a Cancer Fund for Children Specialist on the hospital wards of the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children,” she said.

“I will be taking my family along to the event because it is just a great day out for us parents and the kids.

“The first 500 people to register will receive a free pair of Winter Woolly Walk gloves.”

For more info and to register log onto www.cancerfundforchildren.com/event/winter-woolly-walk/.