An East Belfast man will take on a five-day hike this year in support of a local cancer charity close to his heart.
When he was a child, Ronnie Donnan lost his grandmother to pancreatic cancer, and now wants to give back to Action Cancer by completing the famous Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.
Ronnie, who is from the Ardenwood area, had committed to the hike in November, which will see him walking for up to nine hours a day, battling high altitudes and camping in cool night time temperatures.
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"Travel and touring historical parts of the world has always been a keen aspiration of mine," Ronnie said.
"I lost my nanny Sandra to pancreatic cancer when I was five years old so when I saw this opportunity to travel to Peru and raise money for Action Cancer, I knew I had to take it. This fundraising is my way to help this incredible charity continue to help people affected by cancer.
"Initially I was a little worried, it seemed like a tall order, however alongside the support of my family and friends and the fundraising team at Action Cancer I’ve made a good start and am confident of raising the target. Action Cancer have been great in helping me to plan things out and supply whatever materials I’ve needed."
Action Cancer is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Since 1973 the Action Cancer charity has been offering a range of cancer prevention, detection and support services to the people of Northern Ireland.
Founded by Dr George Edelstyn, an oncologist at Belvoir Park Hospital, the charity aims to fund pioneering research into chemotherapy and to support patients and their families during treatment. The first premises in Marlborough Park in Belfast were used to provide facilities for patients awaiting treatment in Belvoir Park and recovery facilities for chemotherapy patients who had to travel long distances. Action Cancer began to offer breast screening in 1978.
This was the first-time breast screening was introduced in Northern Ireland.
Action Cancer receives no regular funding from government and so relies on fundraising from the general public and local business community to fundraise on its behalf.
Treks and Activities Executive Conor Brenan said: "Each year Action Cancer provides a range fundraising challenges both at home and overseas. Fundraising from supporters like Ronnie is vital to the work we do and ensure we can continue saving lives with our early cancer detection services and supporting people affected by cancer through our counselling and therapeutic support services.
"Action Cancer is thankful for every penny raised on our behalf and donors can be assured their money is being put to good use. It is amazing to work with people like Ronnie who give up their time to support our services. We have only five places left on our Machu Picchu trek so if anyone fancies joining Ronnie and supporting Action Cancer during our 50th anniversary we would love to have you on board.
"We often find that once our overseas trekkers get the bug they return and do it all over again. Treks are an opportunity to explore far off destinations, getting off the beaten track and away from the normal tourist hotspots. Trekkers usually come home with a huge sense of achievement and also having made new friends for life."
For more info on the overseas trek and Action Cancer's work please visit here.
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