Co Antrim dad's challenge for cancer charity who supported family through wife's death

A man from Co Antrim has organised a fundraising challenge for a cancer charity that supported his family through the loss of his wife.

Thomas Haighton BEM lives in Carrickfergus with his daughter Leah and son Lewis. Next month, he's organising a firewalk challenge at Carrickfergus Castle to raise money for Cancer Fund for Children after the charity supported them through the loss of wife and mother Lyndsey.

Lyndsey was first diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 30. After going through treatment, receiving the all clear and then being re-diagnosed, Lyndsey passed away in October 2021 at the age of 36.

Read more: NI community's heartbreak following death of 14-year-old after brave battle

Read more: NI kids supported by cancer charity enjoy special after-hours museum tour

The family were supported through this experience by Cancer Fund for Children, a charity that empowers, connects and strengthens children, young people and families impacted by cancer.

Speaking of the support they received, Thomas said: "Cancer Fund for Children supported our whole family from the start of Lyndsey’s diagnosis and their help was outstanding. They focused on bringing us all together and helping us to make memories.

"They connected us with other people who were living through the same thing we were. Leah and Lewis were supported by Gareth, their Cancer Support Specialist and he was amazing. Gareth didn’t just focus on the negatives. He helped them to look back on the memories they made with Lyndsey.

"He was there for every aspect of their experience, not just the loss. Bigger charities get so much funding but when we needed the support it was Cancer Fund for Children that stepped in. That’s why we’re so passionate about fundraising and why we’ve organised this Firewalk which I would encourage everyone to sign up to.”

Taking place on February 20, Thomas' Firewalk challenge encourages participants to challenge themselves and push personal boundaries, while raising money in support of families impacted by cancer.

Naomi Braithwaite, Family Fundraising Officer with Cancer Fund for Children said: "We are so unbelievably grateful to Thomas and his family for organising this challenge so we can be there for more people when they need us most. Going through a cancer journey can be devastating for a family, especially when that family becomes bereaved.

"The fact that Thomas has taken this experience and is using it to help others is truly humbling and we are privileged to have supported him and his children.”

Registration for the Firewalk is open to the general public. Sign up today at https://cancerfundforchildren.com/event/firewalk/.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.