Ormeau Road business owner giving back after cancer diagnosis which changed his life

The owner of a popular food shop and cafe in the heart of South Belfast is seeking to give back after a cancer diagnosis which changed the course of his life.

Indie Füde's owner Johnny McDowell has partnered with cancer charity Cancer Focus NI after undergoing a long period of treatment and recovery after becoming unwell while travelling in Southeast Asia in 2012.

While travelling through Southeast Asia, Johnny began feeling unwell and cut his trip short to travel home to Northern Ireland and undergo tests.

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In September 2012 a tumour was found above his kidney that required a specialist surgeon from Australia to make the trip to Northern Ireland to perform the surgery.

Forced to put his travel plans on pause, the entrepreneur and Comber native quickly realised the beauty that was on his own doorstep and developed a passion for local food and producers, and the story behind their businesses.

Now with two locations in the heart of Comber and the popular Ormeau Road area in Belfast, Indie Füde is going from strength to strength while promoting everything Irish and independent.

“The support I had from various cancer focused charities across Northern Ireland was unbelievable and I am forever grateful.," Johnny says.

"The services that Cancer Focus NI provide for local people who are dealing with cancer are a lifeline on a journey that can often feel isolating.

"All of us at Indie Füde are looking forward to giving something back and supporting the Cancer Focus NI team in the fantastic work they do for those affected by cancer here in Northern Ireland."

Richard Spratt, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland Chief Executive welcomed the new partnership with Indie Füde

“We are absolutely delighted to be working with Johnny and the team at Indie Füde, a fantastic local business highlighting the importance of supporting local.