Northern Ireland’s Charity for Pancreatic Cancer (NIPANC) has received a very welcome fundraising boost after being awarded £300 through Power NI’s Helping Hands initiative.
The funding will help support the charity’s upcoming LoopTheLough cycling challenge – which takes place on 25th and 26th September – by contributing towards essential event costs, including marshalling, signage and event set-up.
The two-day, 100-mile cycle around Lough Neagh is open to individuals and teams of between two and twelve participants. Every pound raised will help NIPANC continue its work to improve outcomes for people affected by pancreatic cancer, while providing practical and emotional support to patients and their families.
Alongside raising awareness of one of the deadliest forms of cancer, NIPANC offers counselling services, peer support groups, bereavement support and information for patients, carers and families throughout Northern Ireland. The charity also works closely with healthcare professionals to promote earlier diagnosis, improve long-term care, and campaign for increased research and investment.
Power NI
Power NI employee Gerard Grimes nominated NIPANC to receive the Helping Hands donation, having supported the charity’s fundraising events for several years. “This has included taking part in last year’s cycle,” he said. “NIPANC carries out incredible work right across Northern Ireland, supporting individuals and families affected by pancreatic cancer while raising vital awareness of the disease.
“Events like LoopTheLough demonstrate the power of community as they bring people together, encourage healthy activity and, most importantly, raise essential funds to ensure NIPANC can continue delivering its life-changing services,” he added.
A spokesperson for NIPANC welcomed the Power NI support, saying: “We are incredibly grateful to Gerard and everyone at Power NI for this generous donation. Community support is vital in helping us deliver events like LoopTheLough, which not only raise essential funds but also help increase awareness of pancreatic cancer and the importance of earlier diagnosis.
“Every participant, volunteer, sponsor and supporter plays a part in helping us continue providing support to patients and families across Northern Ireland while funding our ongoing awareness and education work.”
With preparations well underway, NIPANC is encouraging cyclists of all abilities to sign up for LoopTheLough and help make this year’s event its most successful yet. Whether taking on the challenge individually or as part of a team, participants will be helping to fund vital services for those affected by pancreatic cancer while raising awareness of a disease that continues to have one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers.
To find out more about LoopTheLough, register to take part, or support NIPANC’s work, visit the charity’s website or follow its social media channels.
