Latest news with #CancerFocusNI
Belfast Telegraph
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Rory McIlroy's old school hails his grand slam-winning magic with black-tie gala dinner
History maker signs special golf bag for Cancer Focus NI auction Rory McIlroy's old school in Holywood has paid tribute to his grand slam heroics with a black-tie gala dinner. Hundreds of guests, paying up to £85 a head, turned up at the Culloden Estate and Spa to honour the history-making victory of Sullivan Upper's most famous old boy in the Masters at Augusta.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'I still can't describe what that felt like to be told I had breast cancer'
AS an Intensive Care nurse, Eimear Watson from Enniskillen wasn't concerned when she felt some unusual tissue in her breast, as a previous checkup at the breast clinic had been all clear. Just weeks later, realising she was the only woman left in the waiting room after a mammogram and a series of rapid tests, the news of her breast cancer came as a massive shock. The 37-year-old mum of two bravely faced her months of gruelling treatment and gradually went back to work. It wasn't until three months after this, that all the bottled-up emotion and fears for her husband and two young children, brought her to a standstill. She was overwhelmed with anxiety and turned to Cancer Focus Northern Ireland for counselling. Eimear is sharing her experience to support Cancer Focus Northern Ireland's new Therapeutic Cancer Support Centre opening in Enniskillen this week (28 May), offering direct local access in the South West to the kind of counselling, advice and support which has allowed her to get her life back on track. "As a nurse and Ward Manager in the ICU at the South West Acute Hospital, I thought I knew what to worry about," she said. "So when I noticed a small thickening in my breast in 2023, I brushed it off. I'd been to the breast clinic back in 2015, and it was all clear then. I told myself it was nothing. "Eventually, though, I made an appointment with my GP and got referred for an ultrasound at the breast clinic. I wasn't remotely concerned. "On September 15, 2023, I drove myself to Altnagelvin, more focused on the shopping I'd planned afterwards in Derry than the appointment itself. I only told my husband, Paul, so he'd know where I was. "At the clinic, I put on the pink gown like it was any routine visit. The doctor said they'd start with an ultrasound because of my age. It wasn't until the radiologist said I also needed a mammogram that I began to worry. Something in her tone made time slow down. "Back in the ultrasound room, things escalated quickly. Suddenly, they were talking about a lump, biopsies, and preliminary results. I was told I'd have to wait a few hours. Sitting alone in the waiting room, I remembered a colleague once saying, 'If you're the last one left at the breast clinic, that's not a good sign.' And there I was: alone." Eventually, Eimear's Consultant and Breast Nurse Specialist called her in to deliver the devastating news. "They were the last ones still working. That's when I heard the words: 'You have breast cancer', she said. "I still don't have the words to describe what that felt like. "The following weeks were a blur of appointments and waiting. And I hated the waiting. I'm not a patient person by nature, and all I wanted was to get on with treatment. My surgery was scheduled for 3rd October to remove the lump, and I was told I'd get results ten days later. "I counted every single day. Then, the night before I was due to hear back, I got a call to say there was a delay. It would be another week. That was my lowest moment. I stayed in my pyjamas all day and cried." However, Eimear knew she had to keep going. "Finally, at the end of October, the results came in: the tumour has been completely removed and the surrounding tissue was clear. I was ecstatic. But I also learned the cancer was more aggressive than they had expected. "Oddly, that made things clearer for me. I'm very practical, and I knew I wanted to do everything possible to stop it coming back," she recollected. "So I started four rounds of chemotherapy, followed by two weeks of radiotherapy. My first chemo session was on Paul's birthday. All I could think was: 'In sickness and in health', right? "I stayed at work right up until surgery and couldn't wait to return after. Work was my distraction - it kept me from thinking about what I was really afraid of. The hardest part wasn't the treatment. It was the thoughts about my family that haunted me." Ultimately, it was her children and husband that helped see her through this tough time. "I'd look at my children, Ollie (6) and Chloe (3), and wonder how their lives would be without me," she continued. "I worried about Paul raising them on his own. I thought of every milestone I might miss: birthdays, Christmases, holidays, exams, weddings. Even now, I can't think about my children and cancer in the same sentence without getting emotional. "Radiotherapy finished on February 28. I had lost my hair, spent countless hours and miles on the road between Enniskillen and Altnagelvin, and faced years of hormone therapy with Tamoxifen and Zoladex. But I felt like I was finally through the worst." On April 15 last year, Eimear went back to work and dived back into the chaos of everyday life - being a nurse, a mum, a wife, and even riding her horse again. However, deep down, something didn't feel right. "By July, I looked fine to everyone else," he said. "My hair was growing back, and I had my routine again. But I was consumed with a new fear: what if the cancer came back? The anxiety was relentless and brought me to a standstill. "Thankfully, my Breast Nurse Specialist referred me to Cancer Focus NI's counselling service. That's when I met Helen, my counsellor based in Enniskillen. "She helped me see the positives again and shift my thinking. She even encouraged me to go on a Cancer Focus NI retreat in Donegal. "That retreat changed everything. It was a weekend with other women who had been through breast cancer - just like me. We shared stories, tears, laughter. For the first time, I could talk openly without worrying I was putting a burden on my friends or family. "That's why I'm so passionate about the new Cancer Focus NI Therapeutic Cancer Support Centre in Enniskillen. It's a service I wish I'd had when I was going through treatment."
Belfast Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Dress to impress (and for charity) with one-day-only designer deals deal
It's all happening tomorrow, when Consello Belfast takes over Cancer Focus NI's Holywood charity shop for one dazzling day of fashion, fundraising and feel-good vibes. As part of the Charity Shops' Challenge, the leading comms and advisory firm is turning retail warriors, filling shelves with luxury labels and styling rails with show-stopping outfits. Their mission? To help shoppers look fabulous for less — and raise vital funds for local people affected by cancer. Consello's in-house style guru will be on hand to show you how to 'Dress to Impress' without breaking the bank. There's a stunning silver metallic Kevin Jon designer dress up for grabs — brand new with its original tags — as well as other classic brands including Jigsaw, Coach and Massimo Dutti. Whether you're suiting up for a job interview or hunting for that perfect wedding-guest ensemble, this is your chance to bag high-end fashion at thrift-store prices. Even casual-chic fans can expect timeless staples and one-off pieces to elevate everyday wardrobes. Expect racks of ready-to-wear glamour in all shapes and sizes — perfect for work, weddings or a weekend out. In keeping with Consello's 'Dress to Impress' theme, there's something for everyone, from bold statement pieces to classic investment buys. And every item sold helps fund life-changing services including counselling, bra and swimwear fitting and family support for people living with cancer across Northern Ireland. Consello is one of several companies swapping desks for donation tills in this unique initiative, organised by Business in the Community, which invites organisations to run a Cancer Focus NI shop for the day. 'We're proud to support Cancer Focus NI and shine a light on the incredible work they do,' said Jonathan Ireland, Managing Director, Consello Ireland. 'Getting involved in the Charity Shops' Challenge is a natural extension of our commitment to community and corporate social responsibility.' With Consello Ireland CEO Katie Doran also sitting on the board of Business in the Community, the firm's community ties run deep - and this event is just one of many ways they give back. Richard Spratt, Chief Executive of Cancer Focus NI, said he's excited to see what the teams deliver. 'Thanks to Consello and every business taking part — you're not just raising money, you're raising hope,' he said. 'Every single penny will stay here in Northern Ireland to fund vital support services for local people affected by cancer.'
Belfast Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Running for others' lives in Holywood
Led by Reset Run Club's Lauren Clarke, participants followed a bespoke route in support of the local cancer charity, raising £225. Lauren, a well-known Northern Ireland fitness influencer, said it was 'fantastic' to see such a strong turnout at 10am on a Sunday in May. Consello senior consultant Anna Haslett, who organised the event as part of the company's fundraising efforts for Cancer Focus NI, said: 'I'm delighted with the support and proud to be part of such a fun event for a very meaningful cause.' Earlier this month, another senior consultant, Nicola Wylie from Consello's Belfast team, organised a pub quiz at the Comber Rec Football Club raising £1,100 for the same charity. Both events form part of a wider fundraiser that culminates this Friday with the Big Shops' Challenge. This unique initiative, organised by Business in the Community (BITC), invites Northern Ireland businesses to run a Cancer Focus shop for the day.
Belfast Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Co Down woman to become first from NI to reach impressive milestone at Belfast City Marathon this weekend
Elaine McAnulty from Banbridge has travelled the world to compete in marathons, fundraising for charity Cancer Focus NI. Referring to her extensive fundraising, the seasoned runner said: 'The achievement of completing my 400th marathon will be made sweeter knowing I have made a difference to local people on their cancer journey. 'I have been proud to fundraise for Cancer Focus NI over the past number of years and I am always delighted to see everyone at the charity's cheering station, spurring me on as I make my way around the route.' Ahead of the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon this weekend, McAnulty spoke about the atmosphere runners can expect: 'The Belfast City marathon can be just as enjoyable as the New York marathon, it's all about the atmosphere and making your family proud'. She's offered some advice to first-time marathon runners, saying: 'Anything can happen on the day, the most important thing is to have fun. The atmosphere is electric and the support from the local community across Belfast is unbelievable, it really helps get you across the finish line'. Over 22,000 participants are expected to take to Belfast for the marathon this bank holiday weekend. John Allen, chairman of the Belfast City Marathon organising committee, said: "This year's Bank Holiday weekend will see the biggest marathon in our 43-year history, with 6,500 runners taking on the 26.2-mile challenge. 2,750 relay teams and 1,200 8 mile walkers will join in to soak up in the marathon atmosphere, making it Northern Ireland's biggest mass sport participatory event.' The 26.2 mile race on Sunday will start at Stormont Estate, passing through the north, south, east and west of the city, before finishing in Ormeau Park. Motorists can expect some disruption throughout the morning and early afternoon as participants make their way through the city. The 2025 Moy Park Belfast City Marathon route is similar to the 2024 route, although there are some slight changes. The route has minor alterations at the City Hall, this year remaining on Chichester Street, directly onto Wellington Place before turning left onto Fisherwick Place and continuing on the route. A further change takes place on the Falls Road, turning left onto North Howard Street, left onto Cupar Way, right onto Lanark Way, right onto the Shankill Road, left onto Tennent Street, across the Crumlin Road onto Hillview Road and left onto the Oldpark Road and continuing the route. Roads will start to close wholly or partially at various parts of the city from around 6am until 4pm.
