Business Beats Cancer Northern Ireland

"I am a Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution team of DWF.

I have been a board member with Business Beats Cancer Belfast since February 2022.  I wanted to become involved after witnessing first-hand what a serious and horrible disease cancer is when my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Seeing her undergo the intense treatment that is required, which in her case was surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and what is required in terms of recovery, not only physically but mentally, it became clear to me why we need to find a cure for this disease.  Being a member of the board is a great way to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK and to feel that you are doing something worthwhile.  We also manage to have a lot of craic along the way!"

Rachel Fowler, Director, Rachel Fowler Advisory

"My own Mum took part in many clinical trials during her Cancer journey and these may not have been possible without Cancer Research UK.  Mum passed away in 2012, however the Cancer she had is now much easier to treat.  I have joined Business Beats Cancer to promote the work of Cancer Research UK, raise vital funds and hopefully have some fun along the way."

Director, MacAllister McAleese Solicitors

"We have all unfortunately lost friends and family to cancer, but in the space of a few weeks I saw both my brother-in-law and a very good personal friend lose their battles with pancreatic cancer. At the same time my grandmother passed away just after a mass was identified close to her heart which was inoperable due to her age. The proximity of these three losses was fresh in my mind when I was approached and asked if I would like to join the board of Business Beats Cancer. Knowing that BBC supports research and supports patients right here in our own local towns and cities, I was keen to help out wherever possible and hope to continue to do so for many years to come."

Catherine is a Vice President in @FinTrU (Belfast), working in a Risk and Control role for a Tier 1 Investment Bank based in New York.  

Catherine previously held a Board position with the @Institute of Banking, NI and volunteered for @Special Olympics in both the Ireland and world games! Catherine is a keen badminton player and has been known to drag people up mountains for fun!! With that in mind, Catherine and her energy are a great match for the Business Beats Cancer Belfast board. 

Like all of us, she also has very personal reasons for wanting to get involved…

“I was eager to join the Business Beats Cancer Belfast Board because I’m passionate about making a real impact in the fight against cancer.  Having experienced first-hand the challenges faced by family and friends battling the disease, I’m motivated to contribute to a cause that seeks to alleviate suffering and promote innovative research locally.  Additionally, I am inspired by the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals to raise awareness and much needed resources.”   

Jude is a Senior Marketing Manager at local accountancy and advisory firm BDO NI and hopes to contribute her marketing skills to promote the board’s activity going forward. As well as using her professional experience to help the board, like us all, Jude has very personal reasons for wanting to get involved with Business Beats Cancer Belfast…Today marks the 6-year anniversary of when her primary cancer treatment finished at Belfast City Hospital.

“When the opportunity arose to join the Business Beats Cancer Belfast Board, I knew immediately I wanted to get involved. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 6 years ago, at 28 years old. I saw first hand how the research conducted into this form of cancer not only saved my life but also how it is so integral with the other parts of my cancer journey that continue today that many people don’t see; fertility & early menopause treatment, genetics, skin and scar health, optometry and dentistry (yes, cancer treatment affects your teeth – who knew?!).

I am so looking forward to getting stuck into the activity of this board and this incredible group of people. I want to be able to help others going through their cancer journey and maybe even prevent those having to go through what I did altogether, and being a part of this board allows me that honour.”

"Being on the Business Beats Cancer Board will give me the opportunity to use my skill set to help organise amazing fund-raising events. This will greatly help people and families in Northern Ireland affected by cancer.  I have already lost 2 close friends and some family members to this devastating disease and unfortunately, it’s not that far from any of our doors.

It is important to me to volunteer and give something back and I have been lucky enough to work with lots of charities professionally and personally.  It is great to see the difference you can make through direct volunteering or with fundraising."

Sophie, a Sr Manager at Keenan CF, tells us how the Board has provided an opportunity for her to exercise her event planning skills but also why the research that the fundraising activity of this board helps to fund, is very close to her heart.

"I’ve always enjoyed organising and planning events, always say if I hadn’t gone into accountancy, I would have loved to have been an event planner.  When I saw the opportunity come up to join the Board of Business Beats Cancer Belfast I jumped at the chance.  I felt I could do something I love and even more importantly do it for an amazing cause. 

People close to me have had Cancer and my mum recently had a scare which thankfully was caught really early on. I’m delighted to be able to contribute in some small way to help in raising funds which will go towards the amazing work that Cancer Research UK do here in Northern Ireland."

“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to join the board of Business Beats Cancer Belfast. 

The cancer statistics are startling and research into how to prevent, treat and cure cancer is more important now than ever before.

On a personal level cancer has affected my immediate family in recent years and I have joined the board to help raise vital funds and to promote the amazing work of Cancer Research UK.”

As Group Head of HR at MCS Group, Ruth's natural mentoring skills and her dedication to caring for people align with her passion for supporting the board in its efforts to raise awareness and maximize funding for vital cancer research.

“For several years, I have been an ardent follower of Belfast Business Beats Cancer, a cause that resonates deeply with me. The organisation’s dynamism and proven track record of success have been a source of inspiration, compelling me to join their esteemed board.

Cancer, unfortunately, is a reality that many of us confront, either personally or through our loved ones. My family, too, has been touched by this disease, making this cause not just important, but deeply personal to me.

It is with this heartfelt connection and dedication that I look forward to contributing to the commendable work being done by Belfast Business Beats Cancer.”

Ruth’s affinity to looking after people also extends to the beautiful office setting she and MCS Group kindly offer the board to meet in on a monthly basis - thank you from all of us!

Scott Edmondson is a Surveyor and Managing Director of his own Estate Agency and Surveying Practice; Edmondson Estates, based in Galgorm, Ballymena. Scott has previously been a Board Member of the Northern Ireland Rural Valuers Association and a UK Board Director of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers and hopes to bring his experience, and professionalism to the Business Beats Cancer Belfast Team. 

“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to join the board of Business Beats Cancer Belfast. I’ve attended and supported several Business Beats Cancer events in the past and I am keen to take on a more active role in such a beneficial and worthwhile organisation”.

“On a personal note cancer has affected my immediate family in recent years. I have witnessed first-hand the affect this terrible disease has had on my family and friends, particularly when I lost my father-in-law to Lymphoma and more recently my father to Pancreatic Cancer. The pain and suffering I witnessed with my own father was truly unbearable and has instilled the need in me to make a positive impact in the fight against this terrible disease”.

“I have joined the board to help raise vital funds and to promote the amazing work of Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and I am so looking forward to working with like-minded professionals to make a difference for people in Northern Ireland”.

Aine is a corporate counsel and legal consultant.

"I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to join the board of Business Beats Cancer Belfast. Cancer, unfortunately, is a disease that touches many of us, our families, our friends. I look forward to contributing to the efforts of Business Beats Cancer Belfast to raise much needed awareness, funds and to promote the efforts of Cancer Research UK and the ground breaking work that goes on locally in the Patrick G Johnson Centre."