Ballyclare woman urges support for Breast Foot Forward Walk to fund life-saving screenings

Pictured L-R are Meabh Lenehan (SuperValu Brand Manager), Bethany Byers and her mum Tanya Byers (Action Cancer Ambassador) and Carol Marshall (Communications Manager, Musgrave NI).

Tanya Byers, a 45-year-old mother from Ballyclare, is preparing to lace up her walking shoes for a cause close to her heart.

On Friday, 6 June, she will join hundreds of others in Belfast for Action Cancer’s annual Breast Foot Forward Walk, a vibrant fundraiser sponsored by SuperValu, aimed at raising £60,000 to fund potentially life-saving breast screening appointments for 500 women across Northern Ireland.

For Tanya, this event is more than a walk—it’s a celebration of survival and a chance to give back to the charity that saved her life.

“Action Cancer saved my life through early detection,” Tanya said, her voice filled with gratitude.

“The doctors told me it would have been years before I could have felt a lump, and as I wasn’t eligible for an NHS mammogram until I was 50, by then it might have been too late.

“I’m so grateful to Action Cancer for providing this incredible service, and I’m thrilled to take part in this year’s walk. Last year was amazing, and I know this year will be even bigger and better.”

Action Cancer is unique in Northern Ireland as the only charity offering free breast screening to women aged 40-49 and over 70, groups who fall outside the NHS screening programme.

Each screening costs the charity £120 to deliver, making events like the Breast Foot Forward Walk critical to sustaining this vital service.

Joining Action Cancer Ambassador Tanya Byers (front and centre) to launch the walk are (L-R) her daughter Bethany Byers, Meabh Lenehan (SuperValu Brand Manager) and Carol Marshall (Communications Manager, Musgrave NI).

Tanya’s story underscores the importance of early detection: for every 1,000 women screened by Action Cancer, an average of six breast cancers are detected, often at an early, treatable stage.

The walk, now in its latest edition, will see a sea of pink flood Belfast’s streets as up to 800 participants gather at City Hall from 6pm. Open to men, women, children, and even dogs, the event promises a festive atmosphere with a lively warm-up led by Fitness Freddy, free goodies, and a choice of 5K or 10K routes.

Participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of £120 in sponsorship—the cost of one breast screening—though every pound raised helps Action Cancer continue its work.

Action Cancer supports 20,000 people annually across Northern Ireland through services including 8,000 breast screening appointments at Action Cancer House and aboard its mobile unit, the Big Bus, supported by SuperValu and Centra.

The charity’s partnership with SuperValu, spanning 25 years, has been instrumental in sustaining these efforts.

Desi Derby, Director of Marketing at Musgrave NI, said:

“SuperValu is delighted to sponsor this superb event once again. The Breast Foot Forward Walk is a fantastic opportunity for friends, families, and community groups to come together, have fun, and raise vital funds for this local charity.”

For Tanya, the walk is a chance to celebrate her second chance at life and encourage others to support Action Cancer’s mission.

“It’s such a fun-filled event for an amazing cause,” she said. “Whether you’re walking with your best friend, your family, or your dog, every step makes a difference. I hope to see as many people as possible there.”

Early registration is open until the end of April, with a reduced fee of £10 for adults and £5 for children. All participants will receive a complimentary pink t-shirt and a drawstring bag for life, perfect for donning the event’s signature pink theme.

The charity encourages walkers to get creative—think pink outfits, accessories, and even costumes for four-legged friends.

Action Cancer’s work relies heavily on public generosity, and the charity is urging Northern Ireland to rally behind the Breast Foot Forward Walk. With breast cancer remaining one of the most common cancers in the UK, the funds raised will ensure more women like Tanya have access to early detection and the chance of a brighter future.

To register or learn more, visit www.actioncancer.org, call 028 9080 3344 (option 2), or email breastfootforward@actioncancer.org.

As Tanya prepares to step out in Belfast, her message is clear: “Every step counts, and together, we can help save lives.”