HOLSTEIN NI RAISES OVER £13,000 FOR CCRCB 
11 August 2016
Over £13,000 has been donated to the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB) at Queen’s. The money was raised at the inaugural Holstein NI Open Day and stock judging competition held at the end of April in Armagh.
Open Day hosts Ivor and Cecilia Broomfield, and representatives of Holstein NI including breeders who donated and purchased the calves at auction, were welcomed to Queen’s for the cheque presentation by Dr Kienan Savage and by Head of Medical Fundraising, Helen Surgenor.
Expressing his appreciation for the Holstein NI donation Dr Savage said: “On behalf of CCRCB I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the successful running of the Holstein NI Open Day.
“It was a hugely interesting and enjoyable event, and we are delighted to receive this staggering amount of money, one hundred per cent of which will fund cancer research in Northern Ireland.”
More than 400 visitors travelled from across the country to attend the Ecosyl-sponsored Open Day at the Broomfield family farm which is home to the 90-cow Moneyquin Herd. The event featured a host of agricultural trade stands, informative workshops, children’s entertainment, a cake stall and various competitions.
One of the highlights was a charity auction, which included embryos and three pedigree Holstein calves, as well as numerous other items generously donated by local farmers and businesses.
Speaking during the visit to CCRCB Ivor Broomfield said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generous support, and Cecilia and I are delighted that £13,082.62 has been raised for our nominated charity.
“The success of the event, and the phenomenal amount of money raised, is a fantastic tribute to Cecilia’s sister, Carol Hanthorn, who lost a brave battle with breast cancer almost two years ago.”
CCRCB, which is hosting its own Open Day in October to showcase its world-class innovative research, opened in 2007. Dr Savage continued: “Our research focuses on cancers such as breast, ovarian, pancreatic and bowel, as well as cancers of the blood. When CCRCB opened its doors, Northern Ireland had one of the lowest cancer survival rates in the UK. Nine years later, and I am delighted that the statistics have improved dramatically, with Northern Ireland ranked as having one of the highest cancer survival rates in the UK.”
Located beside Belfast City Hospital, CCRCB brings together scientists, doctors and nurses, who, by sharing knowledge and expertise, are continually developing tests and treatments to improve the outcome of patients with cancer. Dr Savage added: “We have already identified tests to help those with hereditary breast cancer; pioneered a unique combination treatment for men with aggressive prostate cancer; and explored new ways of treating bowel cancer that has become resistant to chemotherapy.”
Holstein NI chairman John Berry, who was at the presentation, said: “A big thank you to everyone who supported our Open Day and a special word of gratitude to Ivor and Cecilia for hosting the event. We are also grateful to everyone who contributed items for the charity auction, especially the breeders who donated pedigree heifer calves.”
The CCRCB Open Day on Saturday 22 October (11am-3pm) will showcase its state-of-the-art facilities and world-class innovative research. The itinerary includes talks and lab tours.
To find out more about the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB), or to support medical research at Queen’s, visit the Development Office website or contact Helen Surgenor, (Head of Medical Fundraising), telephone 028 9097 1568.
For information on Holstein NI please contact Julie Hazelton tel: 07845 919597.
General media inquiries to Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Queen’s Development and Alumni Relations Office, Queen’s University Belfast (tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5321).
Photo caption (L-R): Derek Nelson, Ecosyl, Cecilia Broomfield, Holstein Club Chairman John Berry, Dr Kienan Savage (CCRCB), Club Secretary John Martin, Ivor Broomfield and Helen Surgenor.
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