A Bangor man is jumping on his bike this weekend to honour the memory of his beloved mum, ten years after her passing.
Phil Brown is just one of many participants signed up to take part in this weekend's annual Fun Run of the Glens (FROG) charity event in memory of lost loved ones.
Phil, 47, is cycling the 65 mile route in the FROG event this year to remember a great woman, his much-loved mum June Walker who died in November 2012 following a battle with cancer.
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The annual Fun Run of the Glens (FROG) charity event is taking place this Saturday, June 4.
Now in its 15 th year, this successful sportive has gone from strength to strength and organisers hope to attract a record number of participants to raise as much as possible for local charity Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.
Phil said: "There are very few people I know who haven't been affected by the devastating effects of a family member, friend or loved one taken by this cruel disease.
"I lost my mum very suddenly to cancer after a resurgence of her illness in 2012. I have done this cycle twice before and with the cancellation the last two years, Cancer Focus NI really need a much needed boost in funds."
He added: "Mum was the centre of our family. She has her five children living their lives in all corners of the UK including Lisburn, Bangor, Edinburgh, London and Wales.
"She was the one who kept us connected and was responsible for passing the news to all the other family members. She was very much loved and was a splendid mum.
"No day goes by without us thinking about her, and every day she continues to be a great loss in our lives.”
Recalling when his mum's illness began, Phil added: "Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and lymphoma in February 2011 at the age of 60.
"Following a mastectomy and surgery for removal of her lymph nodes, she was in remission from January 2012. Mum relapsed in October that year and passed away just a few weeks after that.
"When the cancer returned, it had affected most of her internal organs and was deemed terminal. We had six weeks with her, spent mostly in the Belfast City Hospital cancer ward until she returned home for end-of-life care."
With circuits through the scenic Glens of Antrim, the FROG event is designed for different levels of ability so everyone can take part.
Cyclists can choose either a 25 mile, 50 mile or 65 mile route and participants can choose to walk or run 10KM or 10 miles. For those who prefer indoor cycling you can complete an hourly slot on a spin bike at the Static FROG in Con Magees GAC.
Cancer Focus NI is a charity Phil has supported in the past through the FROG event in both 2018 and 2019, cycling 65miles to raise funds to help them with their amazing work.
"I choose this charity because all the money raised would remain in Northern Ireland, helping local people affected by cancer.
"With the lack of fundraising due to Covid-19 in the last two years, I’m sure they now need all the help they can get. I was very happy to see the return of the event this year again."
He added: "As a mountain biker, I really don’t do long road cycles, but with six weeks to go, the road bike has the tires pumped up! The Antrim coastline route that the FROG covers, can be the most beautiful part of the world. Fingers crossed the weather is kind!
"I hope to encourage some of my work colleagues to join me this year and so far, the fundraising is going well but I’ll continue to push for donations, as every penny counts.
"I’m looking forward to the BBQ when it's done, and of course the satisfaction of achieving the challenge and raising some money for a worthy charity in the process."
John has a Just Giving page to raise funds for Cancer Focus NI and you can donate here.
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