Press Release

News from the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children

Local school children bring a smile to the North West Fun Day!

14 May 2010

School children from Derry City are on board for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children’s (NICFC) North West Fun Day thanks to continued support from Translink.

Over 500 primary school pupils and their teachers will join the NICFC at the charity’s 8th annual Fun Day and Sponsored Walk, which is taking place in Templemore Sports Complex, on Friday 21st May 2010. The event which will get underway with a one mile sponsored walk, followed by a morning of entertainment and a banner competition, sees the North West Fun Day grow from strength to strength.

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Bring a Smile’ and Rachel Burgoyne, Schools and Youth Fundraiser for the NICFC, said the children attending are doing exactly that,

“Every week in Northern Ireland three families are told the devastating news that their child has been diagnosed with cancer. Primary schools from the North West have been extremely generous in their support of the NICFC, helping to bring a smile to local children with cancer and their families. We hope that this year’s Fun Day will be our best yet and are delighted that Translink have continued to support us by providing free transport for all the participating schools.”

Adding his support to the event is the Mayor Cllr Paul Fleming who encouraged as many people as possible to take part in the event and help raise funds for local children with cancer and their families. “This is a fantastic event with something for every member of the family. It’s a great way of raising funds and highlighting the good work being done to raise awareness of cancer and the support available to children and their families. Let’s hope it’s a great success,” he said.

Lynda Shannon, Communications Manager, Translink, said:

“Following the success of last year’s events, we are pleased to once again support NICFC by providing free travel for children to Fun Days across Northern Ireland. These events are a great way to raise awareness of a serious issue and help support hundreds of local families living with the effects of cancer. Our bus services will enable more schools to enjoy an exciting day out while raising money for a very worthwhile cause. We hope NICFC can build on the impressive fundraising total achieved last year and look forward to welcoming pupils and their teachers onboard.”

For more information about the NICFC or to find out how you can volunteer at this and other events please contact the charity on 028 9080 5599 or email rachel@nicfc.com.

Notes to Editors

1. The Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children (NICFC) is Northern Ireland’s leading children’s cancer charity.
2. NICFC offers practical, emotional and financial support to children, young people up to and including 24, who have been diagnosed with cancer, and their families.
3. Every week in Northern Ireland, three families are told the devastating news that their child has been diagnosed with cancer.
4. Approximately 500 children across NI are currently in treatment, or post treatment for cancer and it is estimated that 1500 siblings are living with cancer. All of these young people have access to NICFC support services.
5. Primary Schools attending the North West Fun Day include Chapel Road PS, Hollybush PS, Model PS, St Columba’s PS, St Eugene’s PS, St Patrick’s PS Pennyburn, St Therese PS Lenamore and Steelstown PS.

Media Contact

Rachel Burgoyne, Schools Fundraiser NICFC, 028 9080 5599, rachel@nicfc.com
or
Ursula Kelleher, Public Relations Officer Translink, 028 9089 9400 / 07786 884024, Ursula.Kelleher@Translink.co.uk

Press Office

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