UCF, in association with UK Outdoor Pursuits, has now guided more than 4,000 walkers to the top of Ben Nevis, raising almost £2million to help support local people affected by cancer.

If you would like to take part in the Ben Nevis Challenge, simply contact Neill at UCF on 028 9066 3281 or e-mail: neillgrainger@ulstercancer.org and get ready to walk for charity!

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is a Northern Ireland charity dedicated to helping patients and their families cope with cancer.

We were one of the first local cancer charities, set up in 1970, with the principal aim of reducing the impact of cancer within the local community.

Our mission is to save lives and to provide an enhanced quality of life for all those affected by cancer through our care services, researching new and better treatments for cancer, undertaking education and prevention programmes, public campaigns and advocacy.
Our work is only possible due to the generosity of local people, who raise almost all the funding needed to provide our services. All the money raised on our behalf is spent in Northern Ireland, helping to support local people with cancer.
What we do:

There is little that causes as much anxiety and stress as a diagnosis of cancer. In Northern Ireland, one in three people will develop cancer during their lifetime and around 8,900 are newly diagnosed every year.

Our role is to make that time of extreme stress a little more bearable by providing a range of care services:
" up-to-date and easily understood information on cancer
" freephone, confidential helpline
" professional and accessible counselling service
" network of support groups
" peer support service - putting you in touch with someone who has experienced a similar cancer
" fitting service for women who have had breast surgery and those with hair loss following treatment
" range of therapeutic and social activities including art therapy and tai chi

We promote and support internationally competitive, high quality research into the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer. Many cancers previously thought to be incurable are now being treated successfully as a result of scientific research. We are one of the major funders of cancer research in Northern Ireland.

We undertake education and prevention programmes, targeting young people, those most at risk and hard to reach groups. These programmes are vital in raising awareness of cancer, how to reduce your risk, what to look out for and why early diagnosis is so important.

Our public campaigns and advocacy work is designed to raise public and professional awareness of cancer issues and to influence policy makers to improve cancer services and public health policy.

With the generosity and support of local people we are able to raise vital funds which help save lives and care for cancer patients and their families in Northern Ireland - thank you for your support.

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Mont Blanc, in the French Alps, is the highest mountain in Western Europe and stands at 4,807m or about 15,800 ft above sea level.

Neill's expedition to Mont Blanc raised £3,000 for UCF adding to the £10,000 from his Russian trip to Mt Elbrus, two years ago.

He thanked everyone who had supported him for their generosity. "I am indebted to all those who sponsored and supported me on my trip and I am delighted that the money raised will be used by UCF to help provide much needed care and assistance for cancer patients and their families in Northern Ireland."

Martin swam an amazing 500 lengths or 12.5km non-stop in Queen's University, Physical Education Centre (PEC) pool
on the morning of his birthday.

Martin said, "I wanted to mark my 50th birthday in a special way. I have lost a number of relatives to cancer, so I wanted to do something positive to support the work of UCF.

"Thanks to friends and colleagues who took part in the challenge with me and together we raised £11,500 and still counting!"

If you would like support or advice on holding a fundraising event in aid of UCF, please do not hesitate to contact us 028 9066 3281.

Almost 50 intrepid volunteers had an experience of a lifetime this summer when they took part in an eight day Icelandic trek, raising money for UCF. Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals & Marketing said, "I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in our second successful trek to Iceland. The enthusiasm and commitment from all our participants meant that this special fundraising event raised an impressive £77,000 which will be used to help support and care for local people affected by cancer."

International Treks

Help raise money to care for people with cancer in Northern Ireland - and have the adventure of a lifetime!

If you would like to take part in the 2008 Inca Trail and see the mysterious and ancient city of Machu Picchu please contact Neill at UCF on 028 9066 3281 or e-mail:
neillgranger@ulstercancer.org
Also in 2008 - 12-19 April - Trek Jordan
A walking adventure to the Dead Sea across dramatic red sand deserts and over magnificant towering cliffs, ending at the legendary city of Petra, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.