Charity providing support for the vulnerable needs donations
Over the past months, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has been doing its best to play its part to help the most vulnerable by remotely supporting those affected by cancer.
In a normal year, Cancer Focus NI supports 6,000 cancer patients, their families and carers across Northern Ireland. Due to Covid-19, however, the local charity was forced to put face-to-face contact on hold. But throughout the pandemic it has been providing — albeit in a greatly reduced manner — counselling and family support services to as many people as possible via phone, video and Facebook support groups.
The charity also plays a huge role in cancer prevention. It has continued its stop smoking service, at a reduced level, and its ever-popular Sing for Life choir recently began rehearsing again via Zoom.
Cancer Focus NI chief executive Roisin Foster said: “Our hearts go out to people who are trying to cope with the anxiety of coronavirus on top of dealing with a cancer diagnosis and the impact of treatment. Sadly cancer has not disappeared. We know there is a new wave of patients facing late diagnosis and more complex treatment going forward. The need for services like ours is greater than ever.”
The charity is desperately worried that it will not survive and is appealing to everyone to make a donation today to help keep its doors open.
Roisin added: “Our income has plummeted to a critically low level and we fear we might not be here to continue to support thousands of people at one of the toughest times of their lives.
“We urgently need your help and we’re appealing to everyone to make a donation or hold a social distanced fundraising event to save our services. Your support at this incredibly difficult time is extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. We can’t do it without you.”
You can support Cancer Focus NI by making a donation today on cancerfocusni.org/appeal, text FOCUS to 70660 to donate £5 or text FOCUS £10 to 70660 to donate £10, or visit cancerfocusni. org/events