Eamonn Holmes pays special visit to the Cancer Centre

Eamonn Holmes stopped by to pay a very special visit to the Cancer Centre today as he officially took up his new role as patron of Friends of the Cancer Centre.

The TV presenter and Northern Ireland native, who was announced as patron of Friends of the Cancer Centre earlier this year, was delighted to accept an invitation to see the charity’s work in action.  Friends of the Cancer Centre is one of Northern Ireland’s leading cancer charities working to support local cancer patients and their families through its life-saving and life- changing work.  During his visit, Eamonn had the opportunity to see this work first-hand and to hear how the charity is making a difference to the lives of local people by meeting staff, patients and supporters.

Commenting on his visit and his role with Friends of the Cancer Centre, Eamonn said:

“When I was asked to be patron of Friends of the Cancer Centre I didn’t hesitate to say yes.  I was already aware of the wonderful work of the charity and the impact it has on local people, so I feel very proud that I can now play a part in supporting this incredible cause.

“Coming to the Cancer Centre today really drives home how important Friends of the Cancer Centre is, as you can see the charity’s work in every corner of the hospital.  Today I’ve been able to meet some of the wonderful staff funded by the charity, I’ve seen some of the incredible medical equipment the charity has provided and I’ve heard about some of the ground breaking research the charity is supporting right here in Belfast.  For me the most powerful part of today has been talking to patients, as it’s then that you really appreciate the impact all of this work is having on their lives and the lives of their families.

“What amazes me even more is that everything Friends of the Cancer Centre do is solely down to the support of people across Northern Ireland.  The fact that local people are supporting their family, friends and neighbours through this incredible cause is really special.  We all need friends when times are tough and I feel humbled and honoured to be a friend of this incredible charity.  Every penny donated to Friends of the Cancer Centre has the power to help someone affected by cancer and I would really encourage everyone in Northern Ireland to extend their hand of friendship to the charity as I’ve seen the incredible difference you can make.”

Friends of the Cancer Centre, based at the heart of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, is one of Northern Ireland’s leading cancer charities working to support local cancer patients and their families by enhancing the care and support they receive at every stage of their cancer journey.  The charity does this by supporting life-saving and life-changing work in the areas of clinical care, patient comfort and care, and research.  From funding 32 additional members of staff, vital medical equipment and supporting ground breaking cancer research; to providing thousands of free cups of tea and coffee to patients waiting on treatment.  The charity’s work is extensive and everything it does has a direct and positive impact on local cancer patients.

Welcoming Eamonn as patron of the charity Colleen Shaw, chief executive of Friends of the Cancer Centre, said:

“We are thrilled that Eamonn has joined us as patron of Friends of the Cancer Centre and we were delighted to welcome him to the Cancer Centre today to see our work in action.  To have someone as well-known and respected as Eamonn support our work is very special and it was wonderful to see him talk to our staff and patients and hear directly from them about the impact of our work.

“Friends of the Cancer centre is a local charity and every penny raised for us stays in Northern Ireland to support local people.  Thanks to our incredible supporters, we have been able to enhance local cancer services and every day our work has a direct and positive impact on the lives of thousands of people when they need it most.  With Eamonn’s support and friendship we have an opportunity to raise greater awareness of the charity, encourage local people to get behind us and most importantly support even more people affected by cancer.”

As patron, Eamonn will be working closely with Friends of the Cancer Centre to help raise awareness of the charity and the impact its work has on the lives of thousands of local people affected by cancer.  To find out more about Friends of the Cancer Centre and how you can support its work, please visit www.friendsofthecancercentre.com