Greer family model for Cancer Focus campaign

Greer family model for Cancer Focus campaign

28 August 2019

A LOCAL family has stepped up to pose as poster models to help promote the new Cancer Focus Northern Ireland fundraising campaign, Support Your Girls, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

The leading local cancer charity is asking women to hold a fun girls’ night in to raise money for breast cancer support for younger women in Northern Ireland.

The campaign will also highlight signs and symptoms of the disease and stress the importance of checking your breasts regularly.

The Greer family, from Dromara, agreed to take part in a photo shoot to help raise awareness of the campaign and can be seen on billboards and bus shelters all over Northern Ireland.

Louise Greer, who is a fundraiser for Cancer Focus NI, explained that in her job, she meets so many people who have been affected by cancer.

She said everyone in her family also knows someone who has had a difficult time because of this awful disease.

“We all think this campaign is a wonderful idea and we are more than glad to help out,” said Louise.

“We know that one in ten local women get cancer, which is a scary number. It could be your mother, sister, daughter or your friend. That very much makes it a family affair which I think is reflected in this beautiful photograph. We do have to support each other.”

Louise hopes that local ladies will come on board with her family to help raise money to support young women who find themselves in this position.

Cancer Focus NI community fundraising manager, Rosie Forsythe, said the organisation knows that there is a great need for more support among younger women who have breast cancer. 

“Sometimes young women think they aren’t at risk because there is no history in their family and because they are young, so it can be an even greater shock for them if they are diagnosed,” explained Rosie.

“The women we are helping are at a stage in their lives where they may be considering big life changes, such as marriage and starting a family, and a breast cancer diagnosis can dramatically change all their hopes and plans for the future.

“Our unique new six week service will give them a chance to speak to experts on a wide range of topics such as infertility and sexual relationships as well as giving them the chance to meet others in a similar situation.”

Rosie added that all women need to check their breasts regularly to get to ‘know their normal’, explaining that they should keep an eye out for anything they feel is not quite right, such as lumps or bumps, puckered skin, thickening, a rash, oozing or crusting. 

She continued: “Early detection means better survival rates, so it’s essential that women get this information.

“We are asking women everywhere to get involved by hosting a girls’ night in for a few friends to raise vital funds. Do whatever you and your friends enjoy doing – and ask for a donation to Cancer Focus NI.”

Rosie added: “It could be a film night, pyjama party, pizza treats, makeovers, the list is endless. It’s a great reason to have a good time with the girls,” she said.

Not sure how to check your breasts or what to look out for? Cancer Focus NI has a short video to explain what you need to look out for on its website and social media channels. You can find out more about the Support Your Girls campaign and the signs and symptoms on the charity’s website, www.cancerfocusni.org/girls.