Local mums host cancer charity ball at Tullyglass

Lisa Kirkwood and Kathy Tang decided the time was right to give something back to the charity which had helped both them and their families.

Kathy’s son Caiden, now almost three, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2008 and despite six months of intensive chemotherapy, he relapsed within two weeks.

Emergency surgery followed to relieve the pressure around his heart, caused by the tumour, and then came four months of intense chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant.

Another relapse ensued and although Caiden is still receiving treatment, he is responding well and remains as active as any other toddler his age.

“When I first got a call from NICFC I was very reluctant to take help. There was so much to take in with Caiden’s diagnosis and I didn’t want to be part of a group of families with cancer,” Kathy said.

She added: “But it was a different story when we went to stay at Shimna Valley, NICFC’s respite facility in County Down. It’s like a home from home there and you’re not reminded of cancer all the time. It’s just a really fun place to be.

“From this point on I felt ready to face Caiden’s illness and to accept support from the charity’s Family Team. They’ve become a big part of our lives since. Thankfully Caiden is doing well, so now I feel I’m ready to take on the challenge and give something back to NICFC so that they can continue to help other families like mine.

“Tickets for the ball are selling very fast and I hope as many people as possible will show their support and come along on the night.”

Mum-of-three Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and it was soon after this that she heard about NICFC’s Young Shoulders Programme which offers support to children and young people aged 8 to 24 years who have a parent diagnosed with cancer.

“My two sons, Kyle (11) and Luke (9) have really benefitted from the Young Shoulders Programme and being with other children their age in a similar situation,” Lisa said.

She added: “I suppose at the start I was a bit apprehensive about the boys going off on their first residential to Narnia but they’ve built such strong relationships with their Youth Worker and this makes me feel more comfortable as I know it’s helping them to come to terms with their anxieties about my illness.

“The boys can speak to other children about their thoughts and fears without feeling that they have to be brave and strong in front of me or my husband and if it’s quiet time they need, there is an area in Narnia where they go be on their own or speak to one of the Youth Workers. Seeing them happy makes me happy.”

Lisa continued: “NICFC has helped Kathy and me in too many ways to explain and like any charity, it needs all the support we can give it. So we’re urging local people and businesses to show their support for this very worthwhile cause and have a great evening at the Tullyglass House Hotel in the process.”

Tickets for this much sought-after event are selling fast and Kathy and Lisa are urging the local community and businesses to purchase early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are priced at £45 per person and £400 per table and the evening will include a drinks reception, a four-course meal, an auction and entertainment from popular local band, Picture the Sound. The ball will start at 7.30pm and finish at 1.30am.

For more information on the Spring Ball, please contact Lisa on 07702304044 or email [email protected]