Local children supported by a cancer charity enjoyed a special after-hours tour of a museum in Belfast.
Titanic Belfast held the special visit to give families supported by Young Lives vs Cancer the opportunity to enjoy a private visit of the world-famous visitor attraction.
During the exclusive visit, 80 guests of the local charity had the opportunity to view The Titanic Experience, including the historic range of artefacts currently on loan including the world-famous violin belonging to the ship’s hero musician Wallace Hartley, described as one of the rarest and most iconic objects of the 20th century.
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Other artefacts include the Carpathia Loving Cup that was presented to the ship’s Captain Arthur Rostron as well as an original Fosbery lifejacket and one of only six remaining deck chairs from RMS Titanic.
Young Lives vs Cancer helps children and young people from 0 to 25 years old and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.
The charity’s accommodation service provides Paul’s House and Amy’s House in Belfast to give young people and families a free place to stay nearby to where they or their child is having cancer treatment.
On behalf of the lender of the artefacts, Titanic Belfast also made a £40,000 donation to support the great work carried out Young Lives vs Cancer.
Ben Green (front left) from Young Lives vs Cancer and Eimear Kearney (front right) from Titanic Belfast, are pictured with Young Lives vs Cancer service user, Logan Brown (centre) who attended the after-hours visit with (back l-r) Eve Hylands, his mum Christine McCann and Jenny Hylands.
(Image: PressEye)
Ben Green, Young Lives vs Cancer Fundraising Engagement Manager for Northern Ireland, said: “As a charity, we are extremely grateful for the kind support that both Titanic Belfast and the artefact lender has provided in making this generous donation and for hosting this incredible event which was created to give the families we support a break from the world of cancer.
“Treatment can often be a long way from home, which can be stressful and expensive so being able to stay at a Home from Home lessens that stress and helps families stay together and this donation will be able to help us provide vital support to the families who need our help.”
Eimear Kearney, Associate Commercial Director of Titanic Belfast said: “We were delighted to welcome Young Lives vs Cancer and the families they support to enjoy a private visit to Titanic Belfast and spend some much-needed quality time together, making special memories.
“As part of our support, we have also made a donation to the charity earlier this year in lieu of receiving a historically significant collection of artefacts on loan from a private lender, enabling Young Lives vs Cancer to continue the vital work they do in supporting families affected by cancer.”
The Butcher family who attended the event, said: “We really enjoyed visiting Titanic Belfast with Young Lives vs Cancer and finding out about the Titanic story. It is very accessible for all abilities and we were excited to see the Titanic Experience along with the artefacts.
“We found the staff very passionate and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you to Young Lives vs Cancer for its support during and after Owen’s treatment, it has really helped our family by providing accommodation and much more.”
For further information on Young Lives vs Cancer go to www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk
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