Lisburn woman backs charity fundraising event

After being in lockdown for months and missing our friends, everyone is more aware than ever how important it is to have their besties around. Cancer Focus NI says this is the perfect time to ask women to get ‘together again’ and hold a special girls’ night in – with social distancing - to raise money for breast cancer support for younger women in Northern Ireland.

The Support Your Girls campaign, which runs from now until the end of October (breast cancer awareness month), also highlights signs of breast cancer and stresses the importance of checking your breasts regularly.

Claire Williamson, from Lisburn, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 – her two little boys were 18 months and six at the time.

“I think a new service for young women with this devastating disease is an inspirational idea,” said Claire.

“Young women have their own special set of problems to face and, like me, may have young children to look after during their illness.

“It would be excellent for them to have access to experienced professionals who can answer their many questions.

“It’s also fantastic to have women your own age and in similar circumstances to talk to in confidence.

“I just wish this support had been available when I was first diagnosed. It would have been invaluable.”

Rosie Forsythe, community fundraising manager, Cancer Focus NI, said: “This is such a good cause and a great way to raise money for charity.

“One in ten women in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common cancer in women.

“We know that there is a great need for more support among younger women who have been diagnosed.

“With the money raised from the girls’ night in events, we plan to provide a unique new six week service that will give women a chance to speak to experts on a wide range of topics such as infertility and sexual relationships, as well as to meet others in a similar situation.

“The young women we want to help are at a stage in their lives where they may be making big life choices, such as marriage and starting a family.

“A breast cancer diagnosis can dramatically change all their hopes and plans for the future.

“It is vital we have the best possible support in place for these women, especially now when there are so many other stresses and difficulties in life because of Covid-19.

“We have a host of fundraising ideas. Do whatever you and your friends enjoy doing – and ask for a donation to Cancer Focus NI. It could be a girly movie, pamper party, pyjama party, pizza treats or dinner evenings – all within government social distancing guidelines, of course. It’s the perfect reason to have a good time with the girls.”

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.