Derry Hive Cancer Support celebrates 21 years and launches new mascot 'Buzz'
Hive Cancer Support Group marked a major milestone on May 20 as they celebrated their 21st birthday and unveiled their new mascot, Buzz the Bee.
The organisation, (formerly Pink Ladies Cancer Support Group) introduced Buzz as part of a renewed effort to raise environmental awareness around cancer. Project Manager Maureen Collins explained that the mascot will play a key role in delivering cancer‑prevention education to young people, particularly pupils from Primary 7 upwards.
Maureen Collins said: “We are so excited to introduce everyone to Buzz, a friendly guide who helps people of all ages understand these important topics with clarity and compassion.
“Buzz’s role is to simplify complex ideas in age-appropriate ways, support families through uncertain times, and start conversations in schools and community spaces. This will include delivering interactive one-hour sessions packed with creativity, participation, and learning. Each visit will also introduce pupils to cancer prevention through interactive, team challenges, and videos of Buzz in action.
“We’re so pleased for everyone to meet a team member who we know will create welcoming spaces, inspire healthier choices, and bring people together through hopeful, relatable communication.”
She added that the bee theme carries a dual purpose: “We also want to protect the bees. We want to get the message out about how important it is to look after them.”
The celebration came with more good news for the organisation, as Hive announced a £150,000 grant from Macmillan Cancer Support. Earlier this year, Hive faced severe funding challenges that threatened potential job losses, making the new grant especially significant.
Maureen said: “What they have done is put faith in us to look at the continuation of a piece of research and that is the psychological impact of cancer surgery on the individual and the family.
“The future of Hive is very promising. The birth of Buzz gives us a whole new angle to explore cancer prevention and cancer care services.”
“It’s emotional. Some people have been with us for 21 years, and we’ve lost others along the way. Seeing Buzz come to life, not just as a drawing on a wall, brings a whole new meaning. It’s a new beginning.”
Jacquie Loughrey Hive’s Education and Prevention Officer added that the idea for Buzz originated from a teacher who wanted to help engage children in cancer‑prevention education.
“From that, Buzz was born. The bee is the perfect analogy for what’s happening in the environment today. You look after the bees, you look after the planet’s health, and you look after your own health, it’s all intertwined,” she said.
You can find more on Hive Cancer Support Group here: https://hivecancersupport.co.uk/support-groups/
Hive Cancer Support (formerly Pink Ladies Cancer Support Group) has been dedicated to improving the lives of people with cancer for over two decades.
During that time it has evolved into a highly respected, community based charity that works across the North West and in Donegal.
As well as supporting people with a cancer diagnosis, the charity has also spearheaded cancer awareness and prevention through its popular education sessions.