Funeral Partners NI raises £2,600 for cancer charity

Funeral Partners Northern Ireland’s management team has raised more than £2,600 for cancer charity Hope House, having completed a 10km sponsored walk after being inspired by a colleague undergoing treatment. 

Hope House Ireland, which is based between Carrickfergus and Larne, offers free respite breaks to adults with cancer and their families. The charity relies entirely on public donations to fund its services.

Regional support manager, Emma-Jayne McClure, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, stayed at the charity’s Browns Bay accommodation with her husband following her final chemotherapy session.

McClure said: “Having some time at Hope House meant I didn’t have anything else to worry about for those four days except my health. It also gave me the chance to have conversations with my husband that we simply hadn’t had the opportunity to have in recent weeks.”

She later joined her colleagues for the walk through Antrim Castle Gardens shortly after undergoing surgery to remove the cancer.

McClure added: “Truthfully, I didn’t know whether I was going to be able to do it. But once again, it was another milestone to aim for, and I was so proud to complete it and give something back to the charity.”

Dawn McConnell, founder trustee of Hope House, said: “We were truly overwhelmed to receive the fantastic amount of £2,600 which will go towards the running costs of Hope House. We could not provide these free recuperation breaks without the amazing Hope Champions who fundraise for us.”

McClure is continuing with radiotherapy and immunotherapy treatment in the hope of preventing the cancer from returning.