A Derry woman who lost her mum to cancer just one year after she was first diagnosed is hoping to raise £10,000 to combat the disease.
Lisa Lynch who is administrative assistant at the Millennium Forum is captaining the theatre’s team for this year’s Legenderry Relay for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK.
The ‘Fighting Forum’ team have already raised an impressive £6,000 through collections, raffles and a quiz night.
“We’ve already collected a lot of money, but I’m competitive and it would be great if we could get to £10,000,” said Lisa.
Lisa’s mum Brigid passed away three years ago from ovarian cancer when she was just 67.
“She had chemo but it didn’t really work,” explained Lisa.
“She went to my nephew’s christening on January 7 and then she went into the hospital the next day, and on February 7 she died.
“It was very difficult but you do get a lot of help from people and you see the good in people too. A lot of people go above and beyond, especially people that have been through it themselves.
“And now I know the things to tell to people that are in the same situation, so it’s good to be able to help someone else.”
Treatment
Many of the members of the ‘Fighting Forum’ team have had their lives touched by cancer.
General Manager and team co-captain Paul Mason lost his dad Des three-and-half years ago to pancreatic cancer.
“A lot of people have lost parents and relatives to it. It’s one of those things that affects everybody,” said Lisa.
“We also have two members of staff who are currently undergoing cancer treatment at the minute.”
Lisa also took part in last year’s event 24 hour Relay for Life event and says the sense of camaraderie is fantastic.
“You see so many people you know and when you are doing your laps there is always someone to talk to so the time goes very fast," she said.
“There’s so much craic and so much going on.
“It’s really family friendly too and there are lots of children there.
“It will be great for us as workplace too because there are people you don’t get to speak to in work so it’s a chance to get to know each other better.”
Last year’s event raised over £140,000 for Cancer Research, despite a target of just £60,000.
It's not too late to enter a team or take part in the opening lap as a cancer survivor.
For more information see the Relay for Life Legenderry Facebook page.
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