Action Cancer: Co Antrim women to take part in Marbella Walking Festival in support of charity's life-saving work

Larne woman Sarah Forde will be joining her friend Jude Agnew in October for the charity’s Walking Festival in Marbella.

Taking place from September 30-October 5, the Festival offers participants the opportunity to choose daily walking distances of 10km, 20km or 30km, taking in Marbella’s coastal paths, countryside trails and mountain routes.

Following the positive feedback from last year’s event, Action Cancer is looking forward to welcoming both returning and new supporters for an even bigger adventure in 2026.

Jude and Sarah are taking part for a second year in memory of Jude’s mother and to support the charity that played a life-saving role in her care.

“In 1988, our mother, Joan Agnew, attended Action Cancer House in Belfast for a breast screening,” Jude said. “A concern identified during her mammogram led to further investigations and a breast cancer diagnosis.

“Mum was treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital, undergoing a partial mastectomy followed by radiation treatment. She remained cancer-free for the rest of her life and continued to support Action Cancer through annual donations in recognition of the care and assistance the team provided to her and others. As a family, we firmly believe that the early detection provided by Action Cancer saved our mother’s life.

“When my friend Sarah heard about the Marbella Walking Festival fundraiser on the radio, we agreed it would be a great way to improve our fitness while supporting a charity that means so much to us.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the 10km-a-day experience in October 2025. While challenging at times, the walks were incredibly rewarding, with stunning mountain and coastal views. Our thoughts were with those we have lost to cancer and with friends and family currently undergoing treatment or recovery.

“Exploring Marbella’s old town was a particular highlight and the afternoons allowed time to relax before returning to the very comfortable hotel. We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported our fundraising and are really looking forward to taking part again in 2026.”

As people plan for the year ahead, Action Cancer is encouraging supporters to set a positive goal for 2026 by taking on a meaningful challenge.

The Marbella Walking Festival provides an opportunity to improve fitness, enjoy an international experience and raise vital funds to support people affected by cancer across Northern Ireland.

Kelsey O’Donnell, Treks & Activities Executive at Action Cancer, said: “The Marbella Walking Festival in October 2025 was a huge success, and it’s fantastic to see four past participants, alongside Jude and Sarah, returning for a second year. We’re also delighted to welcome six new participants who have already signed up for 2026.”

For more information or to sign up, contact Kelsey via email [email protected], call 028 9080 3352, or visit https://actioncancer.org/event/marbella-walking-festival/

Funds raised will go directly towards Action Cancer’s essential services, which include breast screening for women aged 40-49 or 70+, (specifically for those who have no breast cancer symptoms and fall outside of the NHS screening service age range) as well as a skin cancer detection service for men and women aged 18+.

Therapeutic support such as counselling, complementary therapy, acupuncture and scar therapy is also available to anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis.