Newtownabbey couple to take on charity abseil after husband’s shock cancer diagnosis

“To say we were in shock is an understatement”

A Co Antrim couple will take part in an abseil down the Belfast City Hospital this weekend after experiencing first-hand the importance of a local cancer charity.

Cheryl and Colin Wright from Newtownabbey are two of those getting set to take part in the Take On The Tower Superhero abseil on Saturday August 9 to raise money for Friends of the Cancer Centre.

The Wright family’s worlds were completely flipped upside down last year when Colin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a rare, aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

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“We were just a normal family of four when Colin got diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, which is a rare, aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma blood cancer,” Cheryl said.

“Back in February 2024, we were just like any other family of a seven and four year old, enjoying outdoor welly boot adventures and both getting free time between work to enjoy our local gym. It was at the gym that Colin’s story began. One Sunday morning at the end of February, a lady collapsed on the treadmill. When Colin saw this happening, he went to catch her to break her fall.

“In the days that followed, his back began to hurt and we assumed he had strained something. By the 18^th March he was barely able to sleep or stand up with the pain, so we went to Antrim Area Hospital and within two hours they had found a mass in his abdomen. They told Colin he had cancer and that he was in kidney failure, so he was admitted to hospital.

“To say we were in shock is an understatement. Colin had been fit and healthy up to two weeks before this and we were just about to fly to Portugal for Easter. Cancer never crossed our minds. While awaiting the biopsy results, he started treatment at Antrim Hospital as an inpatient and after two weeks, he was allowed to come home and continue treatment as an outpatient.

“Our journey didn’t stay like this for long as we got a call from Colin’s consultant in Antrim to say his biopsy results were back and that he had a rare, aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He was told to make his way to 10 North at Belfast City Hospital, where he was admitted to get treatment. During his treatment, he wasn’t allowed to have contact with our children to protect him from infection.

“The most heartbreaking bit was going to our little boy Chester’s nursery and then to Lydia’s school to bring them out to give them one final hug and goodbye for now. Once at City Hospital, Colin soon discovered the vital work of Friends of the Cancer Centre.”

The abseil on Saturday will see supporters from across Northern Ireland abseil 190ft down one of Northern Ireland’s tallest buildings, Belfast City Hospital’s yellow tower block.

This year not only marks Friends of the Cancer Centre’s 40th anniversary, but also ten years of the charity’s abseil, which to date has raised over £850,851.34. The abseil will give people the unique opportunity to descend one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable buildings, whist taking in breath-taking views across Belfast.

Cheryl told Belfast Live that while she is nervous for the charity event this weekend, the real heroes are those healthcare workers who work within the wards of our hospitals. She also praised the kindness of family, friends and strangers who have donated to their fundraiser, which has already exceeded their target of £500 to over £2,300.

She continued: “The first few days were tough for Colin being isolated from the outside world and his life; but he soon met Joe, who is a Physical Activity Coach funded by Friends of the Cancer Centre. Joe was fantastic at coming to the ward and putting Colin, along with a few others, through some exercises.

“Not only did it give them a reason to get out of bed when they were able, but it allowed them the opportunity to meet others within the ward and chat about their own journeys and treatment.

“A few months into treatment Colin could no longer do Joe’s exercises in hospital, but he has availed of him greatly in his recovery at home by doing zoom calls and stretches on his road to recovery. Joe’s instruction, patience, attention to detail, technical knowledge and above all, his empathy, was outstanding.

“When the days got too much for Colin to get out of bed and at his weakest and sickest, Friends of the Cancer Centre’s complementary therapists were on hand to offer him reflexology. This helped to ease the symptoms of stress, sickness and nausea.

“By the end of July 2024, Colin came home and has continued to avail of the support of Friends of the Cancer Centre when he attends for check-ups, though the complimentary tea and coffee they provide at the hospital.

“Although today Colin is still recovering, we as a family felt it was right to give something back to this charity as a token of our appreciation for all their support and kindness. What we love about this charity is it helps everyone affected about cancer and their families who attend the Bridgewater Suite or the Cancer Centre.”

You can donate to the Wright family’s fundraiser here. To take part in an upcoming charity abseil, or for more information on the work of Friends of the Cancer Centre follow this link.

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