Fermanagh family steps up to March a Million for charity challenge
The Armstrong family have already raised ÂŁ2,000 for Cancer Focus NI
Last updated 5th Mar 2021
A Fermanagh family are going the extra mile by taking part in the March a Million Challenge for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.
Mum Janet, dad Alwyn and sons Kyle (14) and Karl (10) are aiming to reach a million steps by the end of March 2021.
To date they have raised over £2,000 to help support the charity’s lifeline services such as counselling, family support and specialist bra-fitting for women with breast cancer.
The family from Maguiresbridge are determined to keep the pace up after Janet’s sister Denise was diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
Another sister, Sandra, is also donning her walking shoes for the organizations, but has taken on the challenge alone to abide by Covid-19 rules.
Janet said Denise, who is currently recovering from surgery, used the Cancer Focus NI counselling service and wanted to support the group like they supported her.
She said: “My sister Sandra loves walking and doing March a Million was her idea.
“We were all so shocked when Denise was diagnosed.
“This is the first-time cancer has hit our family and we very much felt we wanted to give something back.
“Denise has used Cancer Focus NI’s counselling service and we liked the fact that it is a local charity, so we decided to fundraise for them.”
Janet’s family are taking on the challenge together; however, she has said her husband and sons are spearheading the challenges as she can not walk long distances.
She added: “In our house, it’s mainly Alwyn and the boys who have taken up the challenge as I have multiple sclerosis, so I’m just walking into the village and back.
“I can’t do longer distances.
“The boys both have Fitbits and Alwyn, who’s on his feet a lot at work, has an app on his phone to keep count.
“Kyle loves football so that chalks up the miles while Karl is so excited by the idea he does anything from running around the house to taking our dog Pippin out to get his score up.
“He’s a whirlwind, going right overboard.”
To take part you can walk, run, dance, or push your steps, split them between a group of friends or complete the million all on your own.
You can do it in the garden, the park or at home, as long as you stick to the Government’s social distancing guidelines.
The family originally set a target of ÂŁ200 but they surpassed this after two days.
Janet added: “It is fascinating us how generous people are and we can’t thank them enough.
“The challenge is a fantastic distraction for us all when we are so limited in what we can do during lockdown.
“I’d encourage everyone to sign up and help out Cancer Focus NI, which does such wonderful work to support cancer patients and their families all over Northern Ireland.”
Kathryn Holland, Cancer Focus NI events manager said: “We really need all the support we can get at the moment and can’t continue our work without your help.
“Now, more than ever, we need your support. Help us continue to bring vital services to cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland during these uncertain times.
“Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on Cancer Focus NI.
“It has paused many of our services, postponed most of our fundraising events and closed our 13 charity shops.
“As 90% of our income comes from fundraising, our funds are at a seriously low level - that’s why we need you!"
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