I have decided to participate in the 50th anniversary New York marathon on 7th November. In doing so I hope to raise much needed funds for Northern Ireland's leading local cancer charity, Action Cancer. The charity provides a free at the point of use service for life saving breast screening service to ladies aged 40 -49 and over 70 as well a range of therapeutic services to people affected by a cancer diagnosis. 

I am paying all the costs of the trip myself and so 100% of your donation will go directly to the charity.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a disastrous effect on the Action Cancer's ability to fundraise and has wiped out many fundraising events. This includes the cancellation of the 2020 New York marathon. Fundraising income fell by 40% in the financial year ending March 2021.  

Two examples of where the lack of funding has hit Action Cancer hard is:

- Fundraising from marathons usually raises £60,000 for Action Cancer. Since March 2020 this has completely stopped and nothing has been raised due to cancellations.  

 - Every June Action Cancer holds a large breast cancer walk with 1,000 participants raising £70,000 - for the second year in a row this event is not possible and therefore a complete loss of this fundraising stream . 

As well as a loss of donations the pandemic now means the charity faces increased costs due to the introduction of PPE and sanitizing measures. e.g. the cost of  Breast Screening appointments have increased from £80 to £120 as the radiographers PPE must be changed between each client this also adds to the length of time for each appointment. 

Thank you visiting my JustGiving page - all donations of any size will help me reach my fundraising goal.

The Action Cancer VISION is a future where cancer risk is reduced, cancers are detected early, successfully treated and the people impacted are supported and empowered. 

The Action cancer MISSION is a Northern Ireland charity dedicated to saving lives and supporting people through cancer awareness, prevention, detection and support.

I, but more importantly Action Cancer, really appreciate everything you can donate.