A Co Antrim man who lost his 36-year-old wife to breast cancer has told of how he is “passionate” about giving back to a charity that provided support to his family.
Thomas Haighton is organising a ‘firewalk’ challenge at Carrickfegus Castle to raise money for the Cancer Fund for Children after it supported his family through his late wife Lyndsey’s illness.
First diagnosed with breast cancer aged 30, after going through treatment, Lyndsey received the all-clear but was later re-diagnosed.
She died in October 2021.
Mr Haighton, who lives in Carrickfergus with the couple’s two children Leah and son Lewis, said his family are indebted to the charity.
“Cancer Fund for Children supported our whole family from the start of Lyndsey’s diagnosis and their help was outstanding,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
🌟 Join Us for the Firewalk Challenge! 🌟
— Thomas Haighton BEM (@HaightonThomas) January 9, 2025
As many of you know, we are taking part in a Firewalk on 20th February to raise vital funds for @CancerFundChild . This incredible charity provides invaluable support to families during the toughest of times, families like ours.
If… pic.twitter.com/ydy3qLThFK
Naomi Braithwaite from the charity 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.
“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.”
To sign up for the challenge on February 20, visit https://cancerfundforchildren.com/event/firewalk/
