Issue 228 - BT22 • BT23
Ards locals urged to take part in Breast Foot Forward Walk
On Friday 5th June, a sea of pink will sweep through Belfast once again as Action Cancer hosts the Breast Foot Forward Walk.
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum alongside (L-R) Peter Schofield, Mrs Rene McAlistair, who celebrates her 97th birthday this month, and Rene’s daughter, Janet Schofield.
Spring Tea Dance Brings Joy and Community Spirit to Queen’s Hall
The Queen’s Hall in Newtownards was filled with music, colour and community spirit on Tuesday 10 March as Ards and North Down Borough Council hosted its Spring Tea Dance, the third event in the 2025/2026 tea dance season. Guests were welcomed by the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, who opened the afternoon by highlighting the importance of connection and wellbeing within the community. The Spring Tea Dance forms part of the Council’s wider active ageing programme, which aims to encourage older adults to
stay engaged, connected and involved in local life. Music and dancing were led by Liam McLaughlin, whose energy and enthusiasm kept the dance floor lively throughout the afternoon. Guests also enjoyed a refreshment break with tea, coffee and biscuits—a chance to chat, relax and recharge before returning to the music. The Mayor of Ards and
North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum said: “Spring is a season of renewal, colour and fresh beginnings. As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, it feels only fitting that we gather together in friendship, music and celebration. Events like this remind us of the importance of community – taking time to connect, to laugh, and to promote
wellbeing in a fun and meaningful way. I’d like to thank Age Friendly Ards and North Down, Community Development and Arts & Culture for organising these events, which play such an important role in bringing people together.”
Continued on page 4
Walkers will gather at Belfast City Hall from 6pm for a lively warm-up with Fitness Freddy, plus plenty of free goodies to kick things off. Participants can choose between a 5K or 10K route, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for breast cancer across Northern Ireland. This year’s Breast Foot Forward Walk aims to raise £70,000 to fund potentially life-saving breast screening appointments for 583 local women. Action Cancer is the only charity in Northern Ireland offering free breast screening to well women aged 40-49 and over 70 – those who fall outside the NHS screening programme. All participants
are encouraged to raise a minimum of £120 in sponsorship, the amount it costs Action Cancer to provide digital breast screening for one woman. Early registration is now open and will run to the end of April with a reduced price of £10 per adult and £5 per child. So, grab your BFF or your 4-legged friend, get dressed up in pink, and step your way to the finish line with Action Cancer. So sign up, save a life, and support a friend. For further information or to register, visit www. actioncancer.org/breastfoot-forward ,contact Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344 (option 2) or email breastfootforward@ actioncancer.org