Supporters Jude and Sarah Return for a Second Year to Support the Charity That Helped Jude’s Mum
Action Cancer, Northern Ireland’s leading, local cancer charity, is delighted to announce that it is heading back to Marbella for the Walking Festival in October 2026.
Taking place from 30 September to 5 October 2026, the Marbella Walking Festival offers participants the opportunity to choose daily walking distances of 10km, 20km or 30km, taking in Marbella’s coastal paths, countryside trails and mountain routes. Following the positive feedback from last year’s event, Action Cancer is looking forward to welcoming both returning and new supporters for an even bigger adventure in 2026.
As people plan for the year ahead, Action Cancer is encouraging supporters to set a positive goal for 2026 by taking on a meaningful challenge. The Marbella Walking Festival provides an opportunity to improve fitness, enjoy an international experience and raise vital funds to support people affected by cancer across Northern Ireland.
Among those returning are Jude Agnew from East Belfast and Sarah Forde from Larne, who are taking part for a second year in memory of Jude’s mother and to support the charity that played a life-saving role in her care. Jude said: “In 1988, our mother, Mrs Joan Agnew, attended Action Cancer House in Belfast for a breast screening. A concern identified during her mammogram led to further investigations and a breast cancer diagnosis.
“Mum was treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital, undergoing a partial mastectomy followed by radiation treatment. She remained cancer-free for the rest of her life and continued to support Action Cancer through annual donations in recognition of the care and assistance the team provided to her and others. As a family, we firmly believe that the early detection provided by Action Cancer saved our mother’s life.”
“When my friend Sarah heard about the Marbella Walking Festival fundraiser on the radio, we agreed it would be a great way to improve our fitness while supporting a charity that means so much to us.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the 10km-a-day experience in October 2025. While challenging at times, the walks were incredibly rewarding, with stunning mountain and coastal views. Our thoughts were with those we have lost to cancer and with friends and family currently undergoing treatment or recovery.
“Exploring Marbella’s old town was a particular highlight and the afternoons allowed time to relax before returning to the very comfortable hotel. We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported our fundraising and are really looking forward to taking part again in 2026.”
Kelsey O’Donnell, Treks & Activities Executive at Action Cancer, added:
“The Marbella Walking Festival in October 2025 was a huge success, and it’s fantastic to see four past participants, alongside Jude and Sarah, returning for a second year. We’re also delighted to welcome six new participants who have already signed up for 2026.
“We’re excited to see this challenge continue to grow year on year. It offers people the chance to explore beautiful scenery, build new friendships, stay active and, most importantly, make a real impact on the lives of local people affected by cancer across Northern Ireland.”
“Everyone who signs up will receive dedicated one-to-one support, a tailored fundraising plan and branded materials to help them reach their target. With a new year ahead, it’s the perfect time to commit to something positive, train for a challenge and join us in Marbella for an unforgettable experience.”
Registration for the Marbella Walking Festival is £100, with each participant committing to raise a minimum of £1,700 in sponsorship. This includes return flights, transfers, four-star accommodation, half-board meals and a festival pass.
Funds raised will go directly towards Action Cancer’s essential services, which include breast screening for women aged 40-49 or 70+, (specifically for those who have no breast cancer symptoms and fall outside of the NHS screening service age range) as well as a skin cancer detection service for men and women aged 18 and above. In addition, therapeutic support such as counselling, complementary therapy, acupuncture and scar therapy is available to anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Marbella Walking Festival Details:
- Dates: 30th September – 5th October 2026
- Registration Fee: £100
- Minimum Sponsorship: £1,700
- Accommodation: Sol Marbella Estepona Atalaya Park (4* hotel)
- Walking Distances: Choose between 10km, 20km, or 30km per day
- Half Board: Breakfast and evening meal included
- Festival Pass and Return Flights Included
Action Cancer is calling on individuals to be part of this unforgettable journey, to push their limits, soak in the beauty of Marbella and play a vital role in funding services that provide life-saving cancer prevention, detection, and support to thousands across Northern Ireland.
Join friends Jude and Sarah, Carolyn Stewart, and many other participants in taking on this challenge while making a real impact on local lives. For more information or to sign up, contact Kelsey O’Donnell, Treks & Activities Executive at Action Cancer via email kodonnell@actioncancer.org or call 028 9080 3352.
