Action Cancer, Northern Ireland’s leading local cancer charity, has announced a new partnership with Born and Bred, a leading gifting brand showcasing the best of Irish talent. The partnership will launch on 01 May 2026 and brings together two proudly local organisations committed to supporting communities across Northern Ireland through creativity, compassion and meaningful impact.
Since 1973, Action Cancer has delivered life-saving and life-changing services, including digital breast screening, skin cancer detection, health checks and therapeutic support. Each year, the charity aims to reach more than 15,000 people through its prevention, detection and support services, with all funds raised remaining in Northern Ireland to support local families.
Born and Bred, an independent Belfast retailer founded by local entrepreneur Linzi Rooney, champions Northern Irish creativity through artisan-made gifts, homewares, prints and locally inspired products. With locations on Ann Street in Belfast city centre and at Belfast International Airport, the brand showcases work from makers across the island of Ireland and is recognised for its distinctive, high-quality and locally sourced designs.
Lucy McCusker, Senior Fundraising Manager at Action Cancer, said:
“Born and Bred’s commitment to celebrating and showcasing homegrown talent aligns closely with Action Cancer’s mission to support people across Northern Ireland through life-saving cancer services. Their passion for people and place is evident in everything they do, and it is a privilege to collaborate with an organisation that shares such a strong commitment to community. This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to further extend the reach and impact of Action Cancer’s work, while engaging local communities in a meaningful way.”
Linzi Rooney, Owner of Born and Bred, added:
“I lost my mum to breast cancer when she was just 40, a loss that changed my life forever. Because of her, I made the decision at 31 to have a double mastectomy and reconstruction—something no one takes lightly, but one that gave me a sense of control over my future. Her story is the reason I’m so passionate about supporting Action Cancer and helping get their Big Bus out into local communities, where early detection and support can save lives. The more money we can raise, the more Big Bus visits we can deliver to communities across Northern Ireland.
“That’s why we’re incredibly proud to partner with Action Cancer this year. Supporting local people is at the heart of everything we do and knowing that this collaboration will help fund life-saving and life-changing services means a great deal to both the team and our customers. We look forward to playing our part and shining a light on the important work Action Cancer delivers across Northern Ireland.”
In 2026, the partnership will deliver a programme of joint initiatives with the aim of raising an ambitious £20,000, while also increasing awareness of the charity’s services. Born and Bred will be pushing a match funding initiative in store and online where they will match all donations collected in store at the tills and also at the online checkout. They will also be launching a dedicated product in October where 100% of the sales will go to supporting Action Cancer.
Every year, Action Cancer supports more than 15,000 people across Northern Ireland through the delivery of its services, including the provision of 8,000 breast screening appointments at Action Cancer House and on board the Big Bus, supported by SuperValu and Centra. For every 1,000 women screened, an average of six breast cancers are detected, often at an early and more treatable stage.
These initiatives will support Action Cancer in continuing to deliver essential services, including digital breast screening and health checks at Action Cancer House and on board the Big Bus – the charity’s mobile detection unit – while providing Born and Bred customers with opportunities to contribute directly at the point of purchase, helping to ensure more people across Northern Ireland can access early detection and support services.
