Action Cancer, Northern Ireland’s leading local cancer charity, is calling on people across Northern Ireland to host a “Breast Friends BBQ” to raise vital funds for Action Cancer’s life-saving breast screening service.
The campaign encourages friends, families and neighbours to come together this summer around the BBQ to enjoy good food and meaningful conversations, all while supporting a great cause.
Action Cancer is the only charity in Northern Ireland providing free breast screening to well women aged 40–49 and over 70 (outside of the NHS screening age range). When it comes to breast cancer, the earlier it is detected the better. For every 1,000 breast screenings, six breast cancers are detected.
Each screening is free to the woman but costs the charity £120 to deliver each appointment. Screening takes place at Action Cancer House and on board the Big Bus mobile unit (supported by SuperValu and Centra). Fundraising generated from the Breast Friends BBQ campaign will help fund appointments for local women in your community.
Julie Ellison is a barrister and mum of three from Hillsborough, whose breast cancer was detected by Action Cancer in May 2024, when she was aged 43. Thanks to the charity’s state-of-the-art screening service, Julie’s cancer was identified at an early stage, allowing her to undergo less invasive treatment, avoiding the need for chemotherapy.
Speaking about the Breast Friends BBQ campaign, Action Cancer Ambassador Julie Ellison said:
“I believe Action Cancer saved my life by detecting my breast cancer at an early and treatable stage. Last year, my husband and I, alongside our three girls, hosted a Summer Solstice Garden Party and raised £1,770 for Action Cancer as a way of saying thank you.
“This year, we want to go even bigger. With bouncy castles and BBQs at the ready, we’ve set ourselves a fundraising target of £2,000 through a day filled with music, laughter and community spirit.
“I would encourage everyone to get in touch with Action Cancer to find out how you can get involved. By firing up the BBQ, you can help raise vital funds and awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection. This campaign could help save the life of a local woman, a mum just like me, in your community.”
Barbecue enthusiast Romilly Moore from Newtownabbey has joined Julie in encouraging people across Northern Ireland to get involved. Romilly, who creates food and lifestyle content through her social media channel @only.rom and works alongside her husband Jim Moore of @onlyslaggin, whose books have achieved Sunday Times bestseller status, has created a series of exclusive pink-themed recipes to help inspire fundraisers. The recipes will be available to everyone who signs up to receive a Breast Friends BBQ fundraising pack.
Romilly explains why she has chosen to support Action Cancer’s breast screening service:
“Breast cancer touches so many lives. Over the last few years, three of my close friends have been diagnosed with breast cancer, so I’ve seen first-hand the impact it can have on individuals and their families.
“That experience encouraged me to attend Action Cancer’s breast screening programme for women in their 40s. Following my first screening at the age of 45, I left feeling reassured and empowered, knowing everything was as it should be.
“Last year, at the age of 47, I booked another routine screening and again came away with that same reassurance. It’s so important to attend every two years until the age of 50, when the NHS breast screening programme begins.
“Early detection saves lives, and that’s why I’m proud to support Action Cancer’s Breast Friends BBQ campaign and encourage other women to make their breast health a priority.”
For a Breast Friends BBQ Fundraising Pack, which includes special pink themed recipes created by Romilly, please email breastfriendsbbq@actioncancer.org or call Lisa McClenaghan, Breast Friends BBQ Campaign Manager on 07825 266951.
If you would like to donate to Julie Ellison’s family fundraiser please visit: Pete Lonton is fundraising for Action Cancer