County Armagh construction firm, Irwin M&E has announced a new partnership with local cancer charity, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.

As a winner of the Commitment to Sustainability and Responsible Business Award at the ABC Business Awards 2022 and SME Employer of the Year 2023, this partnership highlights the company's drive to positively impact local communities.

Throughout their collaboration, Irwin M&E will not only contribute to raising funds that will stay within Northern Ireland, supporting the 1 in 2 individuals who will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, but equally importantly, they will raise awareness regarding the essential services provided by the charity.

The local cancer charity, which offers services to local cancer patients in Northern Ireland, has been instrumental for over 50 years in reducing the devasting impact of cancer on both patients and their families. As well as supporting patients, the charity offers services including cancer prevention programmes and funding ground-breaking scientific research into the causes and treatment of the disease.

Laura White, Irwin M&E HR Manager said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Cancer Focus NI, it’s a privilege that our organisation can contribute to making a meaningful difference locally in the lives of those affected by cancer. Our collective priority going forward is to maximise our fundraising efforts throughout the year to support the incredible work being done at Cancer Focus NI, as they continue their life-changing work in the community to individuals and families impacted by cancer and raise awareness of these fantastic services."

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Irwin M&E will plan fundraising initiatives throughout 2024, including the return of their Charity Football Tournament. They will also be working closely with the Cancer Focus Northern Ireland team to deliver information and wellbeing days along with a visit from the organisations Keeping Well Van, that will offer employees the opportunity to receive health checks and learn more about healthy lifestyles to help reduce the risk of cancer.

Maeve Colgan, Communications and Fundraising Director at Cancer Focus NI, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be working with the staff at Irwin M&E over the next 12 months. Every year, we need to raise £4.4 million pounds to continue to deliver our vital services to local people in Northern Ireland and corporate partnerships play an integral part in our charity’s fundraising. We look forward to working with the team to achieve our collective goals throughout the partnership and make a positive difference to local people who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis."

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland relies on passionate businesses and dedicated members of the community to fund 90 per cent of their work. For every £1 raised, 82p is spent directly in the delivery of the charity's cancer services and invested into pioneering local research. All funds raised stay right here in Northern Ireland to support people affected by cancer. Donations make a massive impact, £213 will pay for four hours of specialist support for a local family going through a cancer diagnosis or bereavement.

Last year, an ambitious plan was launched to open five Cancer Support Centres in towns and cities across Northern Ireland. The first of these will open in Enniskillen in late 2024. Businesses will play a massive role in the charity's strategic direction over the coming months and years by ensuring the delivery and sustainability of the Cancer Support Centres.