Jim helps Friends of the Cancer Centre mark 40 years of making a difference

THIS Men’s Health Week (June 9-15) Jim Kane from Randalstown is calling on people to show their support for local charity Friends of the Cancer Centre as it marks its 40 year anniversary.

Jim has joined forces with Friends of the Cancer Centre as part of its 40 Faces campaign, which features stories from people across Northern Ireland who have been impacted by the vital work of the charity over the last forty years.

Established in 1985 by a group of passionate and dedicated volunteers, Friends of the Cancer Centre has grown to be one of Northern Ireland’s leading cancer charities, investing over £1 million into local cancer services each year to support patients and their families.

Jim knows just how important the work of the charity is, following his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2006. As part of the charity’s 40 Faces campaign, Jim is sharing his story this Men’s Health Week to encourage men across Northern Ireland to be cancer aware.

“I found out I had cancer by chance,” said Jim.

“I was having a routine check-up with my GP and while I wasn’t experiencing any of the common symptoms of prostate cancer, for peace of mind he did a PSA blood test, which can check for prostate conditions such as prostate cancer.

“Two days later, my GP asked to see me right away as my PSA test was very high and he wanted to send me for a biopsy. The results showed I had a highly aggressive prostate cancer. I was devastated. All of a sudden I felt like my life was gone. I was fighting cancer.

“I started treatment at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre in Belfast but due to the how advanced the cancer was, I was invited to take part in a clinical trial called STAMPEDE.

“It was during these difficult times that I became aware of Friends of the Cancer Centre and the work the charity does to support people like me. I’m particularly grateful for the work the charity does in local research, as it is giving many people like me a future. Even before my treatment had finished, I was raising money for the charity and I proudly continue to do so today.

“Today, 19 years after I was diagnosed, I’m still here. In that time I have been given the opportunity to enjoy my life and watch my grandchildren grow up. I am testament to the skills and dedication of the fantastic team of people at the Cancer Centre who worked tirelessly to save my life.

“Friends of the Cancer Centre is a vital part of this great team and I am just one of thousands of people the charity has supported over its forty year history. Sharing my story as part of the 40 Faces campaign has given me the chance to say thank you to charity and to raise much needed awareness of men’s health.

“I would encourage anyone reading this to make an appointment with their GP if they are worried about anything. If I hadn’t discussed my health with the GP, my experience would have been very different. I shouldn’t be here, but I am.”

For 40 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 enhances 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.

Commenting on the milestone year from the charity, Ana Wilkinson, chief executive of Friends of the Cancer Centre, said: “This year marks Friends of the Cancer Centre’s 40th anniversary and we are incredibly proud to reach such an important milestone. However, for Friends of the Cancer Centre, 2025 is so much more than an anniversary. It is our opportunity to share the significant impact and positive changes your support is making for local people with cancer.

“Thanks to you, thousands more people every year have access to a specialist nurse who supports them through their treatment; hundreds of families receive financial support to help them heat their homes, and the charity’s investment into local research is giving more people the opportunity to take part in clinical trials which could give them precious time with their loved ones.

“We are bringing this support to life through our 40 Faces campaign and we would like to thank Jim and all those who have shared their story with us. Their experiences highlight the real difference we can make, and this is only possible with the support of the local community.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been a friend to the charity over the last 40 years and I hope this support can continue, as this will ensure that we can be here for more people like Jim when they need it most.”

Find out more about the charity and how you can support its work at www.friendsofthecancercentre.com