Diocesan News15 Sep 15

Belfast Cathedral’s Celtic Cross Goes Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, is turning its Celtic Cross gold this September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The Cathedral in Donegall Street joins a host of landmark buildings across the UK which will light up gold tonight (September 15) to support CLIC Sargent – the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, and their families.

Every month, thousands of families deal with the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. Cancer treatment for children is often gruelling and can start immediately, last as long as three years and take place many miles from home.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness of the impact of childhood cancer, and of CLIC Sargent’s work supporting young cancer patients and their families.

The Celtic Cross at St Anne’s will remain gold each night this week until after Culture Night on Friday September 18, when thousands of people will visit the Cathedral Quarter
Other landmarks set to go gold this month include Castell Coch, the Brighton Wheel and Nottingham Castle.

CLIC Sargent Director of Fundraising Rachel Kirby–Rider said: “We’re thrilled that Belfast Cathedral is joining us to light up gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
“Every month, thousands of families deal with the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment, and CLIC Sargent is here to provide vital practical, emotional and financial support from diagnosis onwards.

“Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a great opportunity for everyone to show they are standing by children with cancer.”

The Very Rev John Mann, Dean of Belfast, said: “Raising awareness is vital as we churn through the information overload that is part of daily life, so when a charity lights an iconic building in a colour that speaks of its work and those it helps, we do take notice.

“For CLIC Sargent to light the huge Celtic Cross on the north side of St Anne’s with a warm golden light, it is symbolic of that charity’s work in bringing hope and positivity into the hearts and minds of children and young people who are facing the traumas of cancer treatment.

“So look up, see this great cross, that itself symbolises eternity and the gift of Christ to the world, and give thanks for the work of those who devote their lives and energy to bring happiness to children in a special kind of need.”