Lisburn City Council goes gold for cancer

This initiative is co-ordinated by Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children and Childhood Cancer Foundation to ensure all the counties will shine gold.

The Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Andrew Ewing, speaking about ‘Light It Up Gold’, said: “I am very pleased that on the evening of the September Full Council meeting the civic headquarters will be coloured gold.

“Childhood cancer sadly is a reality and has many issues including severity of chemotherapy treatment, radiotherapy treatment and lifelong side effects.

“It is hoped that this initiative will shine a light on the bravery of children in treatment, honour those who have survived and remember all those who sadly lost their dearest to childhood cancer.

“Many of us know someone who has or who is going through a time of unbelievable pain and suffering due to cancer.

“The Council is very pleased to support the ‘Light It Up Gold’ campaign,” he added.

Childhood cancers are different from adult cancers and tend to occur in other areas of the body.

Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer accounting for almost a quarter of cases; and 20% of childhood cancer are brain and spinal tumours.

Councillor Pat Catney, Chairman of the Council’s Corporate Services Committee, said: “Following diagnosis of childhood cancer, everything happens fast from hospital visits to treatment plans and medications.

“It is frightening to hear that a child has cancer and the wheel of emotions the family goes through is stressful and ranges from fear to hope.

“This initiative is poignant and I hope the Council’s message of solidarity, hope and compassion for every family in Lisburn and beyond who is going through cancer diagnosis or cancer treatment of their child is evident and supported by all residents.”