On Saturday 10th October, I’m doing something I never thought I’d volunteer to do — I’m abseiling down the City Hospital Tower Block as part of the Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Take On The Tower Superhero Abseil.

I’m doing it for my beautiful mum, Kate, who sadly passed away earlier this year. I miss her every single second of every single day.

Mum was one of those people who was simply impossible not to love. She was incredibly generous, endlessly caring, ridiculously funny and, at times, wonderfully silly. She loved her family more than anything and had this amazing ability to make people feel looked after. The absence she has left in all of our lives is so huge.

She was the best mum I could have asked for.

This year has been unbelievably difficult for our family. Watching someone you love become so unwell so quickly is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But one thing that has stayed with me throughout everything is just how much kindness and support matters when a family is going through something like this. That’s why I wanted to do this challenge for Friends of the Cancer Centre.

Their work supports cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland in so many different ways, from practical and emotional support, to helping patients financially, supporting specialist nurses, improving comfort in hospital and funding research and cancer awareness.

And while I would obviously rather be doing absolutely anything else than throwing myself off a building, I know Mum would probably have found the whole thing stupid and fun. I was her bird, and I am ready to fly (okay... maybe on a harness...)

So, on 10th October, I’ll be taking a very deep breath, thinking of Mum, and hopefully making it safely to the bottom. This one’s for you, Mum.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how big or small, it would mean so much to me and my family. Every penny raised will help Friends of the Cancer Centre continue supporting people and families facing cancer across Northern Ireland.

Thank you for supporting me, supporting this incredible charity, and most importantly, for remembering my beautiful Mum, Kate.