A BANBRIDGE man marked his milestone 80th birthday recently by completing an emotional charity walk for a cause close to his family’s heart.

The fundraiser saw Dereck McMaster walk the Newry-to-Portadown towpath - a distance of 20 miles - in memory of his beloved sister, Ann, who sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2019.

In completing the challenge, Dereck raised a tremendous £2,500 for Northern Ireland Pancreatic Cancer (NIPANC).

The charity works to improve the outcomes of pancreatic cancer by: increasing public understanding; promoting awareness of the cancer’s signs and symptoms; funding vital research; and supporting patients and their families.

Family and friends greet the walkers at the finish line.

placeholder image — Family and friends greet the walkers at the finish line.

The birthday walk took place on Saturday, May 4 and Dereck was joined by his son Alan, granddaughter Holly and two friends, William and Stevie, as they set off from Newry at around 8.15am.

It was a dull, overcast day, with some rain, but it didn’t dampen the mood as they stepped up to the challenge.

“We walked 20 miles in total, coming in to Portadown at around 3:15pm, so it took us roughly

around six/ six and a half hours, with a few stops along the way,” sprightly Dereck told the Chronicle.

Dereck McMaster taking part in the charity walk to mark his 80th birthday.

“Our longest stop was in Scarva for about 20 minutes when some family brought tea and sandwiches for us.

“As we were coming into Poyntzpass we were fortunate enough to meet a pancreatic cancer survivor of over three years, Brian, who stopped for a chat when he saw our t-shirts.

“It was the highlight of the day being able to talk to Brian and hear his story and share Ann’s story with him.

“Meeting him inspired us to keep going, no matter how tired we were.”

Dereck presents the cheque for £2,500 to Ivan from NIPANC, alongside fellow walkers William, Stevie, Holly and Alan.

As Dereck and his fellow walkers crossed the finish line, there was a feeling of mixed emotions.

“In some ways, it was relief,” he reflected. “So much thought, planning and organising had gone into the fundraiser.

“It was also quite emotional. Seven more family members met us at Knockbridge to do the

last three miles and sharing this with them was very special.

“As we reached Portadown, more family and friends were there to meet us. They had balloons and everything!

“It would be unfair to pick anyone out, but my nieces, Ann’s two daughters, were there which was very special.

“It is always emotional when you think of the person you are doing it in memory of.”

Dereck’s family were understandably “extremely proud” of his amazing achievement.

His granddaughter Sarah McMahon commented: “There were over 30 family and

friends who came to Portadown to meet granda at the finish line, which really highlights how

proud we all are of him, but also how much love we have for him and auntie Ann.

“It was a lovely way to honour her memory with us all there. Not only did he stick to his word for well over a year, but he also raised so much more than he expected to for such a worthy cause.”

For Dereck, being able to fundraise for Northern Ireland Pancreatic Cancer “meant so much”.

“They are almost a hidden charity, as most are not aware of it until it affects them or someone close to them.

“The charity walk wouldn’t have been possible without the support from all of our family and friends, but also people who we didn’t know, who have read about Ann’s story and have donated.

“Sincere thanks to the four walkers who kept me company along the way and took on the challenge of 20 miles with me.

“It also wouldn’t have been possible without the ‘team behind the team’ who have done all the work behind the scenes for planning and fundraising.”

So, what about another challenge for his 81st birthday?

“My family have said I would be mad to do another 20 miles again!” Dereck quipped.

“We have no immediate plans as of yet for anything else, but never say never!

“It all came about from a crazy idea a few years ago that I could do this walk for my 80th birthday and we followed through on it.

“I may not take on another walk, but it is a charity so close to us that we will always support it in some way or another.

“We were very happy to raise much-needed funds and present Ivan from the charity with a cheque for £2,500.

“Ivan, himself, is a survivor of pancreatic cancer of over 13 years, part of the 1% who have reached over 10 years since their diagnosis.

“It was lovely to have a chat with him about his story and about the work of NIPANC.

“People like Brian and Ivan, and many more who continue to fight for this charity, inspire you to support them and raise money for the cause.

“Although our fundraiser is finished, they are always appreciative of any funds. You can always get in touch with them through their website or their Facebook page.”