Mountain walk to thank nurses who cared for Leitrim couple

22 May 2013

A LEITRIM brother and sister will be taking the Slieve to Slieve Challenge in Newcastle next month to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The event on Saturday, June 8, will see all participants leave the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, to walk to the summit of the Slieve Donard, before returning to the hotel.

Last year, after losing her father, John (63), to kidney and bone cancer on October 24, 2011, Maria Rogan took the challenge to raise some money for the hospice where her father had been overwhelmed at the help he received.

Fifteen months later Maria lost her mother, Bell (67), to ovarian cancer on November 15, 2012, and she will be taking the Slieve to Slieve Challenge again this year along with her brother Paul Malone and her son Brendan.

“This year we are doing it in memory of both of our parents,” said Maria. “It was quite easy to convince Paul and Brendan to do it, they were willing volunteers.

“I am very happy to promote the good work of Marie Curie and raise awareness of the effects of cancer within families, along with the excellent work and help Marie Curie give to let people pass away at home, if it is right for that person,” she said.

The family’s fundraising for Marie Curie started before John Malone passed away when they held a tractor run on in June 2011, raising £9,605.

John and Bell Malone were able to pass away at home with their family receiving help, night cover and support from Marie Curie Care.

While Brendan will be the youngest member of the family taking part there will be three more of John and Bell’s grandchildren cheering on the family.

At 14 years-of-age Brendan is able to take part but his cousins, Paul’s children, Shea (6), Cara (4) and Eoin (2) will have to watch and cheer instead.

Anyone who would like to donate to Marie Curie through the family’s challenge can visit Maria’s JustGiving page on www.justgiving.com/maria-rogan or donate to them in person.

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