The Kennedy family from Derry's Bogside are taking part in a number of different challenges to raise money and awareness for local charity Friends of the Cancer Centre.
The family are taking on the challenges in memory of their late mother, Sue, who passed away last year. The series of challenges include abseiling down Belfast City Hospital, running 5ks as well as half and full marathons, skydiving, taking part in 'Lap the Lough', as well as organising a coffee morning.
Commenting on what motivated the fundraising drive, Joseph Kennedy, said: “On Wednesday 21st June 2017 we lost the biggest and brightest part of our family, our beloved mammy, Sue. Sue was the heart and soul of our family and even though she was going through her cancer journey, she was always smiling and giving out words of wisdom to everyone.
"For three years mammy attended the Cancer Centre in Belfast for treatment and the care shown by all the staff was second to none. Throughout her time at the hospital, mammy always spoke so highly of Friends of the Cancer Centre for the love, guidance and comfort that she received in times of difficulty.
“As a family we decided to raise funds and awareness of this local charity that really does make a difference. Over the next few months, members of our family will take on various challenges which will include abseiling down the City Hospital, running 5ks, half and full marathons, skydiving, Lap the Lough as well as organising a coffee morning. As a family we felt that the love and support given to mammy was unbelievable and by raising money we know that we can help other families, just like ours. I know that mammy would be very proud of her family."
Friends of the Cancer Centre, based at the heart of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, is one of the leading cancer charities in Northern Ireland working to support cancer patients and their families through key projects in the areas of patient care, patient comfort, and research.
Friends of the Cancer Centre is currently funding 31 additional staff in the Cancer Centre, including doctors, nurses and researchers and the charity is committed to raising at least £5 million over the next three years to fund on-going and new projects which will continue to support local cancer patients.
Fundraising officer for Friends of the Cancer Centre, Sarah Breen, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Kennedy family for choosing to support Friends of the Cancer Centre. The support that they have given to the charity in memory of Mrs Kennedy is fantastic. The money raised will make a huge difference to the lives of cancer patients and families across Northern Ireland.
[Pictured are Joseph, Eimear Kelly, Ned, Sue, Jamie, Clodagh, Tracy, Darragh and Emmett Kennedy.]
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