Get the kettle on and help kids with cancer - Cloughmills mum

Every week in Northern Ireland three children, teenagers or young people are given the devastating news they have cancer.

Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children (NICFC) is launching its Hug in a Mug coffee morning campaign on November 2 to raise money for these local children and their families.

The charity works hard to provide practical, emotional and financial support but it needs help from the public in order to continue this vital work.

Having a cup of tea or coffee might be something you do every day, why not ensure your next cup makes a difference?

Get everyone together in the workplace or at home and get the kettle on for NICFC’s Hug in a Mug 2012.

Cloughmills woman, Claire Cully felt the benefit of NI Cancer Fund for Children first-hand when her son Mark was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was 11 years-old.

“Mark was going through regular radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. Instead of going to schhol he was being tutored so he didn’t get to see his friends as much or spend time with people his own age.

“When NICFC got involved Mark was appointed a youth programme worker, Darren McKinley, who took him out on daytrips with other children who were going through the same thing. It was a real confidence boost for Mark to be able to talk to Darren and other kids in the same situation about what he was going through. It really lifted him. His little sister Megan was also included in any fun activities Darren organised which gave me the chance to get the house work done or do the shopping,” Claire said.

Claire urged people to sign up to Hug in a Mug to help fund youth programme workers like Darren so they can help other kids with cancer.

“Mark’s brain tumour is now stable; he is doing well and going for scans every six months. As a family we are forever grateful to NICFC and I would urge people to sign up to Hug in a Mug so the charity can help more children like Mark, “she said.

For more information or to sign up to Hug in a Mug 2012, contact Amanda on 028 9080 5599 or email [email protected]. Further info can be obtained from the NICFC Facebook page and website: www.nicfc.com.