Mayor Uí Niallais announces Hive Cancer Support as chosen charity
1 July 2026
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, has announced Hive Cancer Support as her chosen charity for her year in office.
Throughout her mayoral term, Councillor Uí Niallais will lead a programme of fundraising initiatives and events in support of the local charity, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for the invaluable services they provide to individuals and families affected by cancer across the North West.
Founded in 2005 as the Pink Ladies Cancer Support Group, Hive Cancer Support has grown significantly and now provides a wide range of support services to women, men, children, families and carers affected by the disease.
As well as offering personalised, holistic support to those living with a cancer diagnosis, the charity delivers cancer awareness and prevention workshops throughout the Derry, Strabane and wider North West area.
Speaking at a launch event in the Guildhall this week, Mayor Uí Niallais praised the critical community role the charity plays.
“It is a genuine honour to select Hive Cancer Support as my chosen charity for the year ahead,” she said. “The organisation provides a lifeline to so many people and families across our City and District who are navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
“Their compassionate, person-centred approach and commitment to raising awareness of cancer prevention and early detection make a real difference in our community.
“I look forward to working alongside the team at Hive throughout my mayoral year and hope the public will support the fundraising events we have planned.
“Together, we can help ensure the charity continues its outstanding work for everyone who needs it.”
A street collection took place for the charity during last week’s Foyle Maritime Festival and further collections are planned for the Mayor’s Tea Dances, the Waterside Half Marathon, Halloween, the Christmas Light Switch On and the Jazz Festival.
A number of innovative fundraising initiatives are being planned for Mayor Uí Niallais’ year in office with full details to be announced at a later date.
Maureen Collins, Project Manager at Hive Cancer Support, said being selected as the Mayor’s Chosen Charity represented a ‘dream come true’ for their organisation.
“Like all community-based charities, the last year has presented us with huge funding challenges.
“Thankfully, in recent months we have received new funding to secure our services for another year.
“But it’s been a difficult time for our members, board of directors and staff and some of our highly valued team have moved on to new roles outside the organisation.
“So to become the Mayor’s Chosen Charity has given us such a boost and feels like a dream come true.
“The money raised will help us continue to support all those affected by a cancer diagnosis with personalised, holistic care and to raise awareness of cancer detection and prevention through our unique educational workshops.
“It will also boost our already strong public profile so local people know we are here and that they don’t have to face their cancer journey alone.”
You can stay up to date with all of the Mayor’s fundraising initiatives throughout the year at www.derrystrabane.com/mayor where there is also a link available to donate.
Details of future fundraising events will also be shared on the Mayor’s social media channels on Facebook and X.