Derry cancer support group for men thanks local bar for their fundraising support
By Ursula Duddy
A Derry cancer support group for men have thanked patrons of a local bar for their fundraising support.
The Pink Panthers group is a cancer support group for men who have been affected by cancer, either having suffered themselves or having a loved one who has been affected by cancer.
This Sunday, June 4, from 6pm they will celebrate their fifth birthday at George’s Bar, Bishop Street, with a fundraising ‘Night At The Races’.
Michelle McLaren, co-ordinator of the Pink Panthers, praised the efforts of the patrons and staff of George’s Bar for their contributions to The Pink Panthers.
“June marks Men’s Health Month so we will be doing a few events throughout the month and we are kicking it off with A Night At The Races here at George’s Bar raising funds for people affected by cancer in the Derry area.
“This will be the third year it’s being held here at George’s Bar and we wouldn’t go anywhere else because the support has been amazing not only from the customers but from the staff, especially Seany (McLaughlin – Bar Manager) of George’s Bar.
“That’s not just on The Night At The Races, it’s all throughout the whole year.
“He’s always contributing to anything the Pink Panthers are doing. Raising these funds makes life easier for people who have been affected by cancer, especially those going through or recovering from treatment.”
She added: “It’s been a hard month because one of the members of The Pink Panthers passed away and there’s a few not too well at the minute so we will be thinking about everybody on the night, especially those we have lost and those who are not well at the moment and can’t make it.”
Michelle said that there will also be other events held throughout the month for Men’s Health Month.
“On Thursday, June 15 at 11am the group will hold a coffee morning at 3 Old School Lane and everyone is welcome come and meet some of the men and get info on the group,” she said.
“Then on Friday, June 16, from 11am to 3pm we will also be hosting a Pink Panthers Pit Stop this will give men in the city a chance to pop into our new premises in Bishop Street Community Centre and get a quick MOT and some information on Healthy eating and Cancer Awareness. You can get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked too.
“This is open to all men from across the city so call in and get a quick check up, a cup of tea and a chat and meet some of the boys that will be there. There will also be refreshments available.”
Michelle added: “The Pink Panthers Support Group meet on the last Thursday of every month at 7pm in Bishop Street Community Centre this is open to men who want to come along for support or to give support to others affected by cancer.”
Rory Leighton, who has been a member of The Pink Panthers since it began, encouraged other men whose lives have been affected by cancer to come along for support.
“He went to the group after the death of his mother five years ago.
“It’s like a men’s club, we all enjoy ourselves and have a bit of craic and it helped me through the tough times as well. I would advise men to get involved and I’m trying to put the word out now to promote the group and get men to come along.”