Q Radio invited guests to a Big Brunch today, to launch its inaugural Radiothon. Under the inspiring banner of ‘Together We Can’, the three day on-air fundraiser will raise money for four of Northern Ireland’s leading cancer and end of life charities.

The first of its kind in Northern Ireland, the on-air event, voiced by Patrick Kielty, will take place from Thursday 31st May until Saturday 2nd June, with Action Cancer, Friends of the Cancer Centre, Marie Curie and Cancer Fund for Children selected as the beneficiaries of all money raised.

Speaking at the launch Robert Walshe, Managing Director at Q Radio commented: “We have all come into contact with at least one of the four charities here today, either through availing of their services personally or because of a family member or friend who has received a life-changing diagnosis.

“Our driving force at Q Radio is to provide local content for local people right across Northern Ireland. We have a responsibility to our listeners to keep them informed as well as to reciprocate the support they show us by tuning in and engaging with us everyday.

“This is now our opportunity as a station to give back - by raising money and awareness among the community in which we broadcast!”

Over the three days, programmes will be broadcast live from a purpose-built studio at Friends of the Cancer Centre, which is based at the heart of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, with regular live inserts from each of the other charity headquarters. Content will be driven by the work undertaken by each of the participating charities as well as the people they have supported, and listeners will be encouraged to donate across the day.

Helping to launch Radiothon were several of Northern Ireland’s leading chefs, including Ian Orr and Michael Deane, both of whom have pledged their support to The Big Brunch- a flagship fundraising campaign in the lead up to the Q Radiothon 3 day live appeal (31st May-2nd June).

Robert Walshe commented: “As well as raising money we want to create an opportunity for people to get together, whether in their workplace, schools, parish halls or sporting clubs. These brunches can start taking place right now giving the Radiothon the head start it deserves!”

Sponsored by White’s Oats, those interested in hosting a Big Brunch can visit www.qradiothon.com and download a Big Brunch information pack, providing supporters with recipe suggestions, ideas for brunch themes and the all-important sponsorship form.

Q Radiothon will run from Thursday 31st May until Saturday 2nd June but donations can start now. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/fcc/qradiothon To find out more please visit www.qradiothon.com.