Spirit of Christmas Appeal

Cancer Focus NI is asking everyone to give generously to their appeal to help children who are spending this Christmas without a loved one.

Nine-year-old twins Amy and Liam Murray lost their dad Liam, who had a brain tumour, six years ago. Now they are taking part in a Q Radio advert which goes on air from Sunday, December 3, until Saturday, December 17, to help other children who are going through a difficult time.

If you would like to make a gift to the Cancer Focus NI Spirit of Christmas Appeal just Text ‘STAR33 £5’ to 70070 or call Cancer Focus NI on 028 9068 0740.

The twins’ mum Bernie Murray (38), from Belfast, said: “When we were told the cancer was terminal in September 2009 we were put in touch with Rachel Smith, the family support coordinator at Cancer Focus NI.

“Liam had been diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was 19 but was able to live a normal life for years. He had his first surgery when he was 24 and over the years had three surgeries, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. But it was only when he was 31 that the cancer became aggressive,” she said.

“Even though he was very sick I didn’t really think he would die, I thought he would get better, he always had every other time, and it was very difficult for everyone to accept. He got really sick on Christmas Day and went to the hospice a couple of days later where he died.”

She added: “Rachel at Cancer Focus NI helped us prepare what we were going to tell the kids. She helped their dad put together messages that they will be able to read when they are older along with mementos for them to keep.

“Rachel advised us about what stories we could read to them to help them understand, to prepare them for what was coming.

“Afterwards she came to the house and helped Amy and Liam through play, explaining and answering their questions in a way three year olds would understand.”

The twins also joined the Cancer Focus NI family support group. “They were able to meet other children in the same situation and it helped them realise they were not the only ones going through such a sad time.

“They have so much fun at the group and can forget for a while – they learn that it is still all right to have fun,” Bernie explained.

“I was able to talk to other parents who’d lost a partner and I got bereavement counselling with Cancer Focus NI which really helps too. Having someone outside the family helped me to open up and express all that emotion. It was so helpful.

“I’d encourage everyone to help support this wonderful service and anyone affected by cancer should definitely give Cancer Focus NI a call or look up their website – there is so much free support available and the staff are warm and friendly. It’s a real lifeline.”

If you would like to make a gift to the Cancer Focus NI Spirit of Christmas Appeal just Text ‘STAR33 £5’ to 70070, call Cancer Focus NI on 028 9068 0740 or go to http://www.everydayhero.co.uk/event/spirtofchristmas

For more information about Cancer Focus NI visit www.cancerfocusni.org.