Dromore woman raises £700 for cancer services in memory of lifelong friend Sean

A WOMAN from Dromore has raised £700 for the North West Cancer Centre (NWCC) in memory of her lifelong friend, Sean O’Donnell, who was supported by the service during his cancer journey.

Joanne McGovern raised the money by taking on the demanding ‘Battle Cancer’ fitness challenge, a 90-minute event involving a series of endurance exercises, including cycling, rowing, skiing, box jumps, push-ups, sit-ups, sandbag squats and dumbbell presses.

Taking part in the challenge was Joanne’s way of honouring Sean’s memory while also giving something back to the service that had supported him throughout his illness.

She described Sean as a truly special person whose positivity, fun-loving nature, courage and determination left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Despite the difficulties he faced, Joanne said Sean maintained an outlook on life that inspired her and gave her strength throughout his cancer journey.

Sean’s mum, Katherine O’Donnell, said Joanne’s fundraising effort was a particularly touching tribute to her son.

She recalled Joanne telling her that, despite the physical demands of the Battle Cancer challenge, it was “nowhere near as tough as what Sean went through”.

Joanne also expressed her gratitude to family and friends for their encouragement, support and generous donations, which helped make the challenge and fundraising effort such a success.

The £700 raised by Joanne will be shared between the North West Cancer Centre and the Oscar Knox Charity, which supports children and young people affected by cancer.

The donation represents a heartfelt tribute to Sean, while helping support other families facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.