Maracycle in memory of artist raises £14,515

The 17-strong team, including John’s son Michael (24), from Scarva, and his nephews Andrew (37), Mark (24) and Ashley Holden (39) from Lisburn, aimed to raise £10,000 for Cancer Focus, the new name for the Ulster Cancer Foundation, but easily topped their target.

The troupe completed the trip from Belfast to Dublin and back after John (54), who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2007, sadly lost his battle with the disease.

John had planned to do a maracycle for Cancer Focus with Michael but became too ill. Instead, Michael and Andrew decided to take on the challenge in his memory.

John’s wife Jacqui said: “John was first diagnosed with cancer in February 2007 and had a bowel operation in April. He was great until September 2009 when we found out it had come back and was in his lungs and abdomen. He was told he had a couple of years and decided he wanted to do a few special things.

“By the time John was training for the Cancer Focus maracycle he wasn’t well enough to see it through. He died in July 2011 and afterwards Michael said he wanted to do the maracycle for his dad,” she said.

“I had and still have a lot of support from family and friends but I know there are people out there who don’t have anyone to help them cope. Cancer Focus plays a very important role in supporting people during an enormously difficult time in their lives. I know what’s like to have your world turned upside down – plus this is another way to remember John.

“I am absolutely delighted that our family and friends have pulled together and raised this enormous amount for the charity – it’s quite overwhelming. I’d like to thank everyone who helped in any way, or made a donation, from the bottom of my heart. John would have been proud of you all.”

Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals and Marketing, Cancer Focus, said: “Raising this huge amount of money for our charity is a tremendous achievement and we are very grateful to everyone who was involved.

“Our vital services include counselling, a helpline, Beauty for Life, a driving service to take people to hospital appointments, a bra-fitting service, family support, support groups, complementary therapies and more.

“All of these are free for cancer patients, their families and carers, and we could not continue to provide them without the generosity of our supporters and members of the public.”