Charity Drive & Further Growth FOR BARCLAY COMMUNICATIONS

Leading Northern Ireland telecoms group Barclay Communications has launched a new charity partnership with Cancer Focus in a bid to boost finding for those affected by the life-changing illness.

It’s an initiative with a very personal edge for the company and its employees. One of its longestserving employees has been on a cancer journey and relied on the support of the Belfast-based cancer charity.

Alejandro Segura-Martyniuk, the firm’s Head of Systems & Sales Administration, was diagnosed with a type of tongue cancer called Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 2020. Following intensive treatment, he’s now in recovery but pays tribute to the support he received from Cancer Focus....at a time when he needed it most.

“It can be really hard to know where to turn following diagnosis,” says Alejandro, a Venezuelan native now living in Northern Ireland. “I remember going home after being told I had cancer and just sitting with my family wondering what to do next.

“One of the first things we did was to pick up the phone to Cancer Focus and their support kicked in from day one right through, from personal advice to practical help like providing regular transport to and from hospital treatment sessions.

“The services provided are very beneficial for the patient, the caregiver, and the family. When a person is diagnosed with cancer, it affects more than just the individual. The reality is that the entire family feels the impact.

“Cancer Focus NI has helped to alleviate and handle the pressure put on everyone. Nurse Line has helped us to answer any questions we have and deal with financial concerns. The family support service has helped us to navigate the difficult situation of explaining to younger members of the family and provided coping strategies for the disruption this type of illness brings.

“There are many more services and what has been most beneficial to me has been the recovery process. As well as the actual medical treatment received, the on-going support and guidance offered by Cancer Focus NI has been life changing. Thanks to charities like these, patients and families have a better journey through this rough process.”

On his return to work, Alejandro suggested that Barclay Communications might want to help him support the charity, and Founder & Managing Director Britt Megahey didn’t hesitate.

He’s pledged to support Cancer Focus throughout 2023 and across a wide range of staff and company initiatives, aiming to raise £10,000 for the local charity, helping towards its £4million fundraising goal.

“We’ve seen at first hand how the work of Cancer Focus NI has helped Alejandro and his family through counselling, providing information or just being an ear to listen at times.

“Alejandro has been a part of Barclay’s for over 10 years and is a valued member of the team We are delighted to hear that he has received a “clear” diagnosis and is on the way to remission. Having seen the impact of such a life-changing disease and how Cancer Focus NI provide much needed services to support people