Mum’s support for walk to help vital cancer centre

26 February 2014

A CASTLEWELLAN mum whose little son has battled cancer is urging people to step out at Tollymore Forest Park this March and raise funds a children’s charity.

Georgina McKee’s family was devastated when her son Eoghan was diagnosed with leukaemia just days after his second birthday in 2010.

She explained how the family got so much out of stays at the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children’s former short break centre — Shimna Valley — and they are looking forward to relaxing at Daisy Lodge, when it opens its doors in Spring 2014.

“I was a bit unsure of going to Shimna at first because I thought it would be all ‘cancer talk’. But it was the opposite,” said Georgina.

“It was an escape for us. It was like a sanctuary, a safe haven away from the gruelling routine of hospital visits and treatment. We got chatting to others going through a similar thing 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. Plans for the new centre sound fantastic. Now the charity will be able to deliver this service to even more families in need. People don’t realise how much a place like that is needed until it happens to them.”

Now Georgina is urging people, to get out in the fresh crisp winter air and take part in the charity’s Winter Woolly Walk at Tollymore Forest Park on March 1, to raise funds so the charity can continue to offer this short break service and other support.

When Daisy Lodge opens in the next few months, the charity will be able to offer free short breaks to up to 500 local families per year affected by cancer.

Registration for the walk costs £5 per adult and children under 16 go free. Once you register you will receive a fundraising pack with further details on your chosen walk and sponsor forms. A minimum sponsorship of £50 is suggested per family. As an added incentive the first 600 participants to sign up will receive a free pair of yellow Winter Woolly Walk gloves.

The Winter Woolly Walk at Tollymore will start from 10am, parking is free with the walk following a five mile non-strenuous route and everyone is welcome back to NICFC’s log cabin Narnia for great hospitality and warm refreshments.

Tweets by @TheDownRecorder