Trillick sisters to scale new heights for cancer patients

A TRILLICK woman who was diagnosed with leukaemia last year is preparing to abseil one of the North’s tallest buildings to raise money for charity.

Louise Murphy and her sister Shauna are two of the brave people embarking upon Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Take on the Tower Superhero Abseil, which will see supporters from across Northern Ireland abseil 190ft down Belfast City Hospital’s famous yellow tower block on Saturday, May 11 and Saturday, September 7.

Louise and Shauna are calling on others to join them in the challenge to help raise vital funds for a cause close to their heart.

Commenting on why she is taking part in the abseil, Louise said, “I have followed Friends of the Cancer Centre since my diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) in January 2023.

“During my treatment I was able to access the many services the charity provides. From receiving a financial grant in the early days of my diagnosis to ease the financial stress, to availing of complementary therapy as an inpatient by the wonderful Jacqueline, which helped ease the side effects of treatment.”

Louise says she didn’t hesitate to sign up for the challenge given the support she has received from Friends of the Cancer Centre.

She explained, “When I saw the Take on the Tower abseil challenge I knew immediately it was time to see the tower block from a different angle.

“Along with my sister Shauna we are ready to take on the challenge. It means a lot to be able to give back to a charity who supported my family and me through the majority of last year.

“We know the money we raise will be put to good use to support the vital work Friends of the Cancer Centre, as well as all patients going through their own cancer journey.”

meaningful difference

For 39 years, Friends of the Cancer Centre has been dedicated to making a real and meaningful difference to cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland.

The charity is here 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 help families through a difficult time.

Friends of the Cancer Centre relies on the generosity of the local community and all money donated stays in Northern Ireland, directly benefitting patients and their families.

Calling on others to follow in Louise and Shauna’s footsteps, Ciara Bainbridge, corporate and events fundraising officer at Friends of the Cancer Centre, said, “The abseil is one of the highlights in our calendar and the money raised through sponsorship will go on to help families in Northern Ireland.

“It’s thanks to the generous support we receive from events like this that we are able to continue to deliver our vital life- changing work across Northern Ireland.”

To register to take part in the abseil, visit www.friendsofthecancercentre.com or call (028) 9069 9393. Registration is £35 with a minimum suggested sponsorship of £150.

Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Take on the Tower abseil is proudly supported by Warmflow Home Heating Solutions.

If you would like to support Louise and Shauna, you can donate online at the JustGiving page.