Architects add £14k to total raised for local cancer research

In the photo: Ciarán Fox, Director of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects, Ana Wilkinson, Head of Fundraising, Friends of the Cancer Centre, Barrie Todd, The Jill Todd Trust and Ian Hunter, NIE Networks, celebrating £14k added to the total raised by Ask An Architect.

25/03/2022

Architects across Northern Ireland raised more than £14,000 for local cancer research last year, it has been announced.

The funds were raised through Ask an Architect, which is organised by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) and The Jill Todd Trust, with donations going to Friends of the Cancer Centre. This brings the total raised by architects and the public through the scheme to more than £60,000.

Ask an Architect, which was sponsored by NIE Networks in 2021, has become the major fundraising event of the year for architecture practices throughout Northern Ireland. The scheme offers members of the public an hour-long consultation with a chartered architect in return for a donation to Friends of the Cancer Centre. Architects met with their clients either in person or virtually to advise on their building projects and to help provide ideas and inspiration.

Speaking of the funds raised Ciarán Fox, Director of RSUA, commented:

“Despite the continuing challenges posed by the pandemic, it has been another hugely successful year for Ask an Architect. I would like to thank both the architects who gave up their time to participate in the initiative and those who made bookings.

Everyone involved has contributed vital support to incredibly important medical research at a time when so many charities are facing adversity. It’s clear these funds are needed now more than ever and I am proud that the scheme continues to support this local cause by showcasing our architects doing what they do best; helping clients to develop and realise their ideas.”

Ana Wilkinson, Head of Fundraising at Friends of the Cancer Centre, said:

“The renewed support of the RSUA and The Jill Todd Trust is of great importance to Friends of the Cancer Centre and I would like thank everyone who has helped with this fundraising, not just in 2021, but throughout the five year history of this phenomenal initiative. These new funds will help support Friends of the Cancer Centre’s ongoing research work; including funding additional staff and vital equipment which allows for the development of new and improved ways to treat cancer.”

Edel Creery, NIE Networks, commented:

“NIE Networks is proud to partner with RSUA and The Jill Todd Trust to deliver Ask an Architect and support the initiative as it raises funds to support Friends of the Cancer Centre.  This has been another challenging year for all of us in Northern Ireland and we want to thank both the public and the architects who took part for their generosity to this superb organisation.”

Ask an Architect 2022 is now live. Visit askanarchitect-ni.com for further details.