A Co Down family will celebrate their father’s special birthday in an extra special way this summer to raise money for local charity Friends of the Cancer Centre.
The Burns family from Moneyreagh are taking on a 130 mile walking challenge to mark what would have been Paul Burns' 70th birthday.
Sadly, Paul passed away in 2014 from prostate cancer, but his wife Kate and three children, Nicola, Stephanie and Paul are determined to not let what would have been Paul’s big birthday go unnoticed.
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The family has decided to take on their own challenge, The Carrigart Camino, which will see them walk from the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre in Belfast to their family home in Carrigart, Co. Donegal.
They will set off this Saturday, July 1st following the coastline of the North Antrim Coast, before arriving in Carrigart in Donegal by July 8th.
Paul’s wife, Kate, spoke to us about the charity and the support they received at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre when Paul was first diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Kate said: “Paul was 55 years old, physically and mentally very active and totally engaged with life. He was a director in the Arts Council of NI, passionate about his family, his friends, music, art, politics, photography and his beloved motorbike.
“On 19th February 2009, Paul was diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer with the cancer widespread in his bones. We were in total and absolute shock.
“However, something began to shift during those first early weeks and another realisation took form and emerged. It was the realisation that while our future was indeed precarious, we still had a present.
“So our focus began to shift and the oncology team worked tirelessly with huge success to contain Paul’s cancer. Through cutting edge treatment, close monitoring and two drug trials, they gave him the gift of extending his life.”
She added: “Sadly Paul passed away in 2014, but the support we received from everyone at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre was outstanding and we are forever in their debt.
"That is why we are supporting Friends of the Cancer Centre this summer, as the charity plays a vital role in much of the care and support available to patients.
”Paul was an avid supporter of Friends of the Cancer Centre and we know that he would be really proud that we are celebrating his birthday in aid of a charity that does so much for families - families like ours - across Northern Ireland.”
Talking about the challenge, Paul’s daughter, Stephanie, said: “To say dad had a zest for life is an understatement. He packed so many experiences, careers and hobbies into his 61 years and he had such a wide circle of wonderful friends and family.
“Birthdays were always celebrated by him in a big way, which is why we’re certain he would have gone all out for his 70th. Dad was such a big supporter of Friends of the Cancer Centre and we want to follow in his footsteps by fundraising for the charity that did so much for him, and us, during his illness.”
Friends of the Cancer Centre is a local charity dedicated to making a real and meaningful difference to cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland.
It works to enhance the quality of patient care and support through its life-changing and life-saving work, which includes funding additional nurses, supporting local research and providing practical support, such as financial grants, which can help patients through a difficult time.
The charity relies on the generosity of the local community and all money donated stays in Northern Ireland, directly benefiting patients and their families.
Community Fundraising Officer for Friends of the Cancer Centre, Sarah Wilson, said: “It has been such a privilege to support the Burns family as they embark on the Carrigart Camino to celebrate Paul’s 70th birthday.
“We are so grateful to the family, not only for raising money to support the charity’s work, but also raising awareness about the charity and the vital work we do.
"The money raised will make a very big difference to the lives of patients and their families’ right across Northern Ireland.”
If you would like to support the Burns family in their challenge, you can donate at www.justgiving.com/page/the-carrigart-camino. Or if you are interested in taking part in your own challenge or holding an event for Friends of the Cancer Centre, please contact the charity on 028 9069 9393 or visit www.friendsofthecancercentre.com.
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