Derry City FC stars join Hive Cancer Support’s 21st birthday bash
Gasyard Centre hosts special meet-and-greet as leading charity celebrates major milestone.
The city’s leading community based cancer charity marked it’s 21st birthday in style with help from Derry City Football Club.
Hive Cancer Support (formerly the Pink Ladies Cancer Support Group) was founded in May 2005 to offer for women affected by a cancer diagnosis.
It has grown significantly over the past 21 years and extended its services to support men, children, families and carers, as well as offering an extensive range of cancer awareness and prevention workshops.
On May 20 the charity marked its 21st birthday with an outdoor party at its organic allotment in Creggan where they introduced their newest member of staff- Buzz the bee.
Buzz has been christened Hive Cancer’s Support’s new Chief Environmental Officer and will take the their cancer prevention message to children and young adults across the north west and beyond through a specially designed children’s workshop.
Th workshop focuses on cancer prevention in all its forms, presented in an accessible and age appropriate way
Hive Cancer Support’s 21st anniversary celebrations continued on Saturday when six players from Derry City Football Club (DCFC) and two players from Derry City Football Club Women’s Team had a meet and greet with local families at the Gasyard Centre.
The line up included Patrick McClean, James Clarke, Eddie Beach, Conor Barr, Shead Callister, Terence Doherty, Katie Hargan and Rihanna Ferris.
Maureen Collins, Project Manager at Hive Cancer Support, said the event was a great chance for families to mark the charity's milestone birthday in the company of local sporting heroes.
"We were over the moon to welcome DCFC to the Gasyard Centre and give our members, supporters and friends the chance to meet these inspirational young sports people.
“The players were so warm and friendly and really took the time to make each family feel special.”
Mrs Collins said there was a long standing friendship between Hive Cancer Support and DCFC, who are both based in the Brandywell area of the city.
"We've had a great relationship with Derry City FC stretching back to when we were the 'Pink Ladies' and they released a special jersey for us," she said.
"In more recent times, our choir have entered DCFC's home crowd with a special half time appearance, so we're delighted to celebrate that history and it’s something we are keen to build on too- watch this space!
She added: “We’d like to say a huge thank to all the players and staff at DCFC, our volunteers at Hive Cancer Support and everyone who came along and made the day such a success.
“We’d also like to thank all those who gave a donation to Hive Cancer Support, which we will put to very good use supporting local families affected by cancer.”
To learn more about Hive Cancer Support go to www.hivecancersupport.co.uk