Beragh doctor Seamus McAleer says ‘on your bike’ for cancer charity

RENOWNED oncologist Dr Seamus McAleer, who is originally from Beragh, is encouraging people to get on their bike for Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Newry Canal Cycle next month.

Dr McAleer is no stranger to a cycling challenge, having undertaken numerous fundraising challenges for the charity over the past 35 years after surviving cancer himself.

From The Camino de Santiago in Spain to cycling the length of Ireland, Dr McAleer and his cycling friends have raised over £200,000 to support the charity’s work.

This summer he will be getting back in the saddle as he takes part in Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Newry Canal cycle, which will see participants take on either a 22 mile or 40 mile route along the winding towpath of the Newry Canal.

Friends of the Cancer Centre has long been a cause very close to Dr McAleer’s heart, but this year he has personal motivation for supporting the charity, following his own cancer diagnosis in 2019.

Dr McAleer said, “I have a very close affiliation with Friends of the Cancer Centre and have been involved in its work for over 35 years, most recently as a trustee. I see a lot of the benefits of the charity in my day-to-day work, including the funding of additional staff, vital equipment and patient comforts.

“It is clear to me that the charity is very important in the lives of our cancer patients and that’s why I feel it’s very important to help generate funds, as my patients and many others rely on the charity’s work every day. I also have a very personal connection to the charity. Last year, I found myself with some symptoms and just before Covid-19 and lockdown, I had an operation for a bowel tumour. That went very well and I haven’t needed any extra treatment. I hope that I am cured, but this is an important message for everyone.

TAKE THE TEST

“I would urge anyone who is experiencing symptoms or notices a change in their health, to contact their GP.

“If you are called for routine bowel or breast screening, please take the tests. People can also empower themselves by using self-check tools like the ones provided by Friends of the Cancer Centre.

“The charity’s Talking Balls self-check cards and Breast Bud self-check hangers provide people with step–by- step instructions on how to check their testicles or chest. ”

Dr McAleer is once again getting back in the saddle as he takes part in Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Newry Canal Cycle on Saturday, August 21 and he is calling on the local community to join him. He continued, “I have always loved cycling and it was also a really important part of my own recovery post-surgery.

“I’m always keen to get back on my bike so this August, I’m taking part in the charity’s Newry Canal Cycle and I am inviting people to join me, to raise money for Friends of the Cancer Centre and have a whale of a time.”

l To register for the Newry Canal Cycle please visit www.friendsofthecancercentre.com or call (028) 90 699393. Registration is £5 per person with a minimum suggested sponsorship of £50.