World Cancer Day is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). It was created in 2000 and has since grown into a day for individuals and organisations around the world to unite against cancer.
Action Cancer is a local charity that must raise £4m each year in order to deliver its range of cancer prevention, detection and support services. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the charity has adapted its services so that these can be delivered safely face-to-face with the use of PPE and stringent sanitising measures (in line with government guidelines).
Having closed its doors in March 2020 due to the pandemic, Action Cancer resumed its breast cancer screening programme in mid-August for women aged 40-49 and over 70 (outside of NHS screening age range) and has since screened over 2,000 women.
Therapeutic Services and Health Promotion departments are also operational again with the staff team moving many services, which were previously delivered face-to-face, to online or over the phone delivery, ensuring as many people as possible are still able to avail of Action Cancer services.
None of this would be possible without the support received from the general public and from relationships with the local business community.
Action Cancer Corporate Fundraising Manager Lucy McCusker commented:
“This World Cancer Day Action Cancer would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all of our long term and new corporate supporters. We are extremely fortunate to work in partnership with a range of businesses including SuperValu and Centra (Musgrave NI), FinTrU, Gordons Chemists, M&S, Santander and Its4women, to name only a few. The funds and awareness raised through these partnerships are vital to the work of Action Cancer.
“Since the Covid-19 pandemic these relationships have been invaluable and we have been very lucky to engage in partnerships with a number of new companies such as DPD Ireland and FinTrU. Whether you are an expert baker or a lockdown inspired newbie we are appealing to individuals and businesses to dust off the aprons, bring out the spatulas and show us your sweet treat delights to mark World Cancer Day.”
SuperValu and Centra have been partnering with Action Cancer since 2001 and during that time have raised over £3 million. Desi Derby, Marketing Director for SuperValu and Centra is pleased to lend their support:
“Our partnership with Action Cancer is one that we are very proud of and we are delighted to support them to raise awareness for World Cancer Day. Our retailers and colleagues are passionate about the work of Action Cancer and work tirelessly to raise money to help support the important services that the charity provides right across Northern Ireland.”
Another of Action Cancer’s business supporters is local online insurance company Its4women. Marketing Manager Kerry Beckett added:
“Its4women and Action Cancer are into the second year of our three-year partnership. Together we deliver the Breast Friends fundraising campaign and have raised £87,000 so far for the charity’s breast screening service which has provided 927 local ladies with a potentially lifesaving appointment. February is also significant for us as it is the second anniversary of Its4women operating in Northern Ireland and what better way to mark both occasions than with some baking!”
To enter the competition, take a photo of your fabulous baked creations and tag Action Cancer’s Facebook page. The winners will be announced at 2pm on Thursday 4th February.
Lucy McCusker from Action Cancer, Nick Mulholland from Centra Moira and Claire Rowan from SuperValu Moira.
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