Gemma and friends put feet forward in fundraiser

Gemma and friends put feet forward in fundraiser

4 January 2023

A DOWNPATRICK woman and her friends from across Northern Ireland have raised £4,072  for the Friends of the Cancer Centre.

Last September, Gemma Hamilton along with her friends Victoria Swan, Sarah McCabe and Emma Kieran took part in the Belfast Half Marathon.

They decided to don their running shoes in aid of the Cancer Centre after some of their close friendship group were impacted by cancer, including Rachael Curlett from Killyleagh.

Rachel was diagnosed with Primary CNS Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in January last year and has spent most of the following 12 months undergoing treatment including chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. 

She also benefitted from the support of Friends of the Cancer Centre throughout her treatment and the charity has become a cause close to her heart.  

Meanwhile, Gemma has also had her own experience with cancer. 

Last January, she was diagnosed with Stage 1 Papillary Thyroid Cancer after undergoing an operation to remove a lump on her thyroid and has thankful not required any further treatment.

However, she became more determined to support her friend and raise money for the charity. 

In addition to Rachael and Gemma’s diagnosis, Sarah’s aunt, Ann McBrien, is currently living with secondary breast cancer and has chemotherapy at the Cancer Centre every three weeks. 

On her initial primary diagnosis in 2013, Ann was supported by Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Breast Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and now receives support from the charity’s Secondary Breast Cancer Nurse.

Gemma explained that being told she had cancer was “such a shock”.

She continued: “Although the cancer was removed, the mental challenges that came with it is something I deal with daily. It made me realise that as long as you have your health, everything else is a bonus.

“When Rachael was diagnosed, we knew we had to do something positive and decided to take on the Belfast Half Marathon to raise money for Friends of the Cancer Centre. As a group of friends we became aware of how we have all benefitted from the charity’s work, so we wanted to give something back.”

Gemma said the quartet was glad they could do something for Rachael, Ann and all of their friends and family who have been impacted by cancer and benefitted from the work of Friends of the Cancer Centre. 

“We are incredibly proud to have raised such an incredible amount and know that it will go on to make a real difference to so many other families across Northern Ireland,” she added.

Friends of the Cancer Centre is dedicated to making a real and meaningful difference to cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland.  

The charity works to enhance the quality of patient care and support through its life-changing and lifesaving work which includes funding specialist nurses, supporting local research and providing practical support, such as financial grants, which help families through a difficult time.  

Friends of the Cancer Centre relies on the generosity of the local community and all money donated stays in Northern Ireland, directly benefitting patients and their families.

The charity’s fundraising officer, Amy Cowan, has thanked Gemma, Sarah, Victoria and Emma for taking on the half marathon challenge.

She added: “The money they have raised will make a real difference to our work and could help fund 160 hours of care from one of our amazing nurses. We would love more people from across Northern Ireland to sign up to running events and raise vital sponsorship.”

To help the charity with its vital work, log on at www.friendsofthecancercentre.com or telephone 028 9069 9393.