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Parade to shine light on cancer research
CHEERS: Paul Langsford and Chris McCracken outside Pug Ugly’s
Latest parklet hailed as key to revitalising hospitality By John Lee A NEW parklet is being opened in Belfast city centre to allow for extended pavement space which will help boost hospitality services. Linen Quarter Business Improvement District (LQ BID) has revealed the 19-metre pavement extension on Bedford Street, just outside Pug Ugly’s pub, following on from the success of its Linenhall Street parklet which was revealed in July. Funded through the Department for Communities-led Covid19 Recovery: Revitalisation Programme in conjunction with Belfast City Council and the Department for Infrastructure, the parklet allows Belfast to resemble some of the most contemporary and most-visited cities in the world, from London to San Francisco, which are renowned for their creative and innovative use of their outdoor public realms. Although the parklet will be available for everyone to enjoy, Pug Ugly’s will now have the opportunity to extend its hospitality services to more people outdoors. Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “I am delighted to see positive change continue in the city. Providing safe and enjoyable spaces for people to come together and enjoy is really valuable in delivering a sense of community and supporting people’s health and wellbeing. Innovation in the hospitality industry is important, particularly as the sector strives to recover from the impacts of the ongoing health pandemic.” Paul Langsford, director at Clover Group, the owners of Pug Ugly’s, said: “The parklet is an excellent example of how the city can support hospitality to thrive. Not only does it allow us to provide a service to more people, it also activates our shared spaces and makes the city centre a more vibrant place.” Chris McCracken, managing director of Linen Quarter BID, added: “Belfast city’s public realm should be focused on supporting businesses and supporting health and wellbeing through enjoyment and inclusivity and our parklets are an excellent starting point as we work to revitalise and regenerate the Linen Quarter.” n For further info, visit linenquarter.org or reactfestival.co.uk
Sunday Life 17 October 2021
GOOD COMPANY: Tara Millar (also right) helps launch Belfast’s first Shine Night Walk with her dog Sage
By Stephanie Bell FLASHING TIARAS, glow sticks and illuminating face paints are set to light up Belfast this month as a national fundraising event comes to the city for the first time. Cancer Research UK’s ‘Shine Night Walk’ sees thousands of men, women and children take to the streets under cover of darkness in 18 cities across the UK every year. Now local people will join in for the first time in what is expected to be a fun and inspirational parade of light, passing landmarks such as the Salmon of Knowledge and the Belfast Waterfront along the way. The 10km event is roughly the same as walking around a football pitch 29 times and is open to everyone aged 11 years and over. Those taking part can choose which area of cancer research they want to support. First to sign up is cancer survivor Tara Millar from Belfast who says she owes her life to pioneering cancer research. The former cruise ship photographer was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2015 when she was 32. Tara became the first woman to take part in a cervical cancer trial in Northern Ireland. Called Interlace and conducted by Cancer Research UK, the trial targets
SURVIVOR WHO BENEFITTED FROM CLINICAL TRIAL CONDUCTED BY CHARITY URGES LOCALS TO SIGN UP FOR 10KM WALKING FUNDRAISER
women who are too late to undergo surgery. Tara missed a smear test which meant her cancer was more advanced. Helping to launch the new fundraiser, she explains: “My experience means I understand the importance of Cancer Research UK’s work all too clearly. “That is why I am urging people in Northern Ireland to act now and take part in this event. “I was absolutely devastated when I heard the words, ‘You have cancer’.” Tara had been travelling the world as a photographer on various cruise ships and had embraced a life at sea. All that changed on April Fools Day, 2015, when her world came crashing down around her as she was diagnosed with stage 2b cervical cancer. The tough battle that followed was one she now feels could have been avoided. She admits: “I skipped a smear test where my cancer could have been detected before it ruined my chances of having children. “Don’t make the mistake I did. This test is done within five minutes and
is much easier than going through chemotherapy. “After a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy I was offered the choice of joining a trial which involved an extra six weeks of chemotherapy. “Signing up to it was a ‘no brainer’. It gave me a higher percentage chance of surviving, the opportunity to smack that tumour into oblivion and help others coming behind me.” Tara is now urging people to join her for this new 10k walking event under cover of darkness.
SUPPORT Those taking part can raise funds for the area of life-saving research closest to their hearts. Cancer Research is currently conducting studies involving prostate cancer, testicular cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia. The event kicks off at Belfast City Hall at 6.30 pm on October 29. Jean Walsh, Cancer Research UK spokesperson, says: “We’re delighted to bring Shine Night Walk to Belfast for
the first time and grateful to Tara for her support. “This is no ordinary night out. It’s a night to walk together for the millions of people affected by cancer. It’s a night to celebrate, feel proud and light up the city streets. It’s a night to raise money for life-saving research and bring hope to people affected by the disease.” Participants will set off on the Shine Night Walk route either alone or in small, socially distanced groups. Hand sanitiser will be provided and people will be encouraged to use it before and after the event. Jean adds: “We’ll ask participants to respect social distancing before, during and after the event. “We are working proactively with our venues and suppliers to deliver a great experience on site. “Participants can choose to complete the course at their own speed, from a leisurely stroll to a lively stride to a full-on power walk passing the city’s well-loved landmarks.” Cancer Research UK spent over £2million in Northern Ireland last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research. People can also show their support by volunteering on the night or visiting the event’s online shop to buy kit including a hoodie and glow sticks, as well as glow face paint sticks and flashing tiaras.
n To enter or volunteer, visit shinewalk. org.