Eamonn: the cancer centre visit that left me deeply humbled
EAMONN Holmes has said he felt “humbled and honoured” after meeting patients yesterday at the Cancer Centre in Belfast City Hospital.
The Northern Ireland-born TV presenter made the visit as he officially took up his new role as patron of a local charity, Friends of the Cancer Centre.
The charity helps local cancer patients and families by supporting work in the areas of clinical care and research, as well as patient comfort and care.
In addition, the charity funds an extra 32 members of staff and vital medical equipment.
During the visit Mr Holmes took time to see the impact the charity makes for local people by meeting staff, patients and supporters.
“For me the most powerful part of today has been talking to the patients, as it’s then that you really appreciate the impact all of this work is having on their lives and the lives of their families,” he said. “We all need friends when times are tough and I feel humbled and honoured to be a friend of this incredible charity.
“I would really encourage everyone in Northern Ireland to extend their hand of friendship to the charity as I’ve seen the incredible difference you can make.”
Colleen Shaw, chief executive of Friends of the Cancer Centre, welcomed the new patron saying: “To have someone as wellknown and respected as Eamonn support our work is very special and it was wonderful to see him talk to our staff.”
More information can be found at www.friendsofthecancercentre.com