Brave cousins start fundraiser after both mums diagnosed with cancer

Youngsters Aine and Caoimhe - who are cousins - started online appeals after both their mothers were diagnosed with cancer.

The campaign - which aimed to raise £700 - has already brought in more than £7,000 - was only started five days ago.

See the campaign hereIn the appeal the girls pledged to walk five km daily.

In the post adjoining the appeal 12-year-old Aine and 12-year-old Caoimhe say: “My name is Áine and I am twelve yrs old.

“In May my mum was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

“I’m Caoimhe I’m also 12yrs old and Áine’s cousin.

“My mum was diagnosed with jaw and mouth cancer in October.

“Both our mum’s are undergoing cancer treatments at present and luckily both should recover well.

“We want to make sure all cancer patients become cancer survivors by raising money for cancer research.

“We promise to walk 5 kilometres every day for 30 days. Please help by donating and sharing this link.

“Thank You

“Áine and Caoimhe”

Catriona Hamill, 45, from Portstewart who has undergone treatment for breast cancer said: “I am just so proud of my daughter Aine and niece Caoimhe who came up with the idea.

“We had to go down to Tipperary because my sister Brid is very sick in hospital as she is not coping well with cancer treatment, so the two girls were together for the first time in a long time.

“They just came up with the idea and wanted an adult to start the campaign it for them.

“They said they wanted to do it to help cancer victims become cancer survivors.

“They didn’t have a specific charity in mind, but knew what they wanted the outcome to be.

“They are such great girls and are so thankful that me and my sister got medication when we needed it. And they want to help other people get the same help when they need it.

“It also gives them a little bit of power back after everything in the lockdown and then the cancer treatment and us being sick.”

She added that when they were sick “the girls had to step up”.

“My sister has four young children and Caoimhe is the eldest, so she is taking on a parents role in her house with three younger siblings.

“Brid who is 40-years-old has been admitted to hospital and will not be out for a few more weeks.

“It is very difficult.”

Catriona added: “I definitely feel myself a lot better over the last few weeks. My treatment stopped just before Christmas. I had radiation in the New Year.

“I cannot believe how much money has been raised as I told them to put down £100 at first. People have just been so so kind.”

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