I hate cancer.

Twenty years ago it came for my dad. My big, kind, funny dad. A man who made a real difference in people's lives. A man who had to have a funeral and a memorial because so many people wanted to come together and remember him. Doctors said he would be uncomfortable in two years, but the cancer was quick and this gentle giant was gone at 57. 

Then ten years later it came for my mum as well. She had survived breast cancer a decade earlier – diagnosed just weeks before my dad – so when it returned it surprised us all, especially the doctors who were meant to be monitoring her. By the time they realised what was going on the secondary breast cancer had spread through her body. 

I was so angry. Angry that this was happening again. Angry that there was nothing to be done. Angry that at 67 she was gone too.

But the worst thing was – and is – is that my story isn't unique. Everyone has a cancer story, a loved one they have lost. That's why we fight in any small way we can. To help those who can make a difference to make a difference. So on 12 September I and three amazing women from my family – Dara, Emma and Ella – will be walking the Causeway Coast to raise funds for Cancer Focus. Please do sponsor us if you can and if you can't we understand, just share our story so others can too.

Every year we support over 6,000 local people affected by cancer and, with 1 in 2 of us predicted to be affected by cancer in our lifetime, your donation will help us to continue providing our services to all those who require our support now and in the future. As a local charity, we are 90% dependent on donations so your donation will help us to continue our vital work.

Thank you again from everyone at Cancer Focus NI