23/08/2012

Belfast Marathon Partner Announced

The official charity partnership of the next Belfast City Marathon has been announced - it goes to Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.

The 2013 marathon will take place on the May Bank Holiday and work has already started for it behind the scenes.

Cancer Focus NI, the new name for the Ulster Cancer Foundation, is urging marathon runners, wheelchair participants, relay teams, fun runners and walkers to show their support for Cancer Focus, sign up early and start training.

All the sponsorship money raised from the prestigious flagship event stays in Northern Ireland and will go towards the charity's Men's Health Campaign.

Joyce Savage of Cancer Focus said: "Focusing on men's health is an extremely important part of our work. Cancer is one of the biggest killers of men in Northern Ireland, yet our research shows that they know less about the disease than women and are less likely to seek advice if they have any warning signs or symptoms.

"Every year 5,794 local men are diagnosed with cancer - that is 22 men every working day - or two football teams inside 24 hours! These men are our dads, brothers, husbands, sons and friends. Sadly, 2,000 of them die each year."

"Our focus is on raising awareness and reducing men's risk of developing cancer later in life.

"You can help us do that. Whether you walk it or run it, whether you participate or sponsor someone, your help and support are invaluable. Please sign up today for your man - and every man."

For more information email belfastmarathon@cancerfocusni.org.

(NE)

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