A CO Down woman is appealing for support for a charity that provided her with a lifeline after she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
Julie Tumelty (22) from Downpatrick was just 12 when she was told she had a tumour.
She underwent two years of chemotheraphy and while she has been left with no sight from the left side of both eyes, her tumour hasn't grown in the last seven years.
During her treatment she was given invaluable support from the Cancer Fund for Children which she said "made me believe I could do anything if I put my mind to it".
"Cancer Fund for Children were an amazing support to me and I enjoyed numerous stays at their residential centre for young people living with cancer," she said.
"I met other young people in a similar situation which made me feel less on my own. I felt part of a big family.
"We were all going through our cancer journey together. I have met some incredible people and love and value the lifelong friendships I have made.
"Having someone understand exactly how I felt made such a difference."
Julie credits the charity for "helping to rebuild her self-confidence following her diagnosis" and is speaking out about her health battle to urge women across the north to host an event to support it.
The 'Let's Go Girls' campaign aims to raise vital funds by encouraging women to organise a night in with friends or a networking event with colleagues.
"I am taking part in 'Let's Go Girls' because I want to give back to this wonderful charity that has made such a difference to my life," she said.
"Why not arrange a special event to get all your girlfriends together to raise funds for this worthwhile cause which benefits a huge number of families across Northern Ireland?
"Your support could help someone's brother, sister, mum or dad get through an extremely tough time in their lives."
Alex Murdock from Cancer Fund for Children said: "Every year we support over 500 families where a child or parent has been diagnosed with cancer.
"We connect and empower families, giving them the strength they need to face whatever the future may hold. We simply could not provide our services without you wonder women and our local community by our side."
See www.cancerfundforchildren.com for further information.
