Titanic Belfast hosts after-hours visit to local families supported by Young Lives Vs Cancer

Titanic Belfast held an after-hours visit to give families supported by Young Lives Vs Cancer the opportunity to enjoy a private visit of the world-famous visitor attraction. 

During the exclusive visit, 80 guests of the local charity had the opportunity to view The Titanic Experience, including the historic range of artefacts currently on loan including the world-famous violin belonging to the ship’s hero musician Wallace Hartley, described as one of the rarest and most iconic objects of the 20th century. 

Other artefacts include the Carpathia Loving Cup that was presented to the ship’s Captain Arthur Rostron as well as an original Fosbery lifejacket and one of only six remaining deck chairs from RMS Titanic.

Young Lives vs Cancer helps children and young people from birth to 25 years of age and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. 

The charity operates Paul’s House and Amy’s House in Belfast to provide young people and families with a free place to stay nearby to where they or their child is having cancer treatment. Providing a vital support to families experiencing challenging times.

 
On behalf of the lender of the artefacts, Titanic Belfast also made a £40,000 donation to support the great work carried out by Young Lives Vs Charity. 

Speaking on this support, Ben Green from Young Lives Vs Cancer said: “As a charity, we are extremely grateful for the kind support that both Titanic Belfast and the artefact lender has provided in making this generous donation and for hosting this incredible event which was created to give the families we support a break from the world of cancer. 

Treatment can often be a long way from home, which can be stressful and expensive so being able to stay at a Home from Home lessens that stress and helps families stay together and this donation will be able to help us provide vital support to the families who need our help.” 

Eimear Kearney, Associate Commercial Director of Titanic Belfast said: “We were delighted to welcome Young Lives Vs Cancer and the families they support to enjoy a private visit to Titanic Belfast and spend some much-needed quality time together, making special memories. 

As part of our support, we have also made a donation to the charity earlier this year in lieu of receiving a historically significant collection of artefacts on loan from a private lender, enabling Young Lives Vs Cancer to continue the vital work they do in supporting families affected by cancer.” 

“We really enjoyed visiting Titanic Belfast with Young Lives Vs Cancer and finding out about the Titanic story. It is very accessible for all abilities and we were excited to see the Titanic Experience along with the artefacts. We found the staff very passionate and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you to Young Lives Vs Cancer for its support during and after Owen’s treatment, it has really helped our family by providing accommodation and much more.” – The Butcher Family

The collection of artefacts is on display at the world-class visitor attraction, which welcomed its 8 millionth visitor earlier this year. The Titanic Experience allows visitors to completely immerse themselves, as the iconic story of Titanic is told as never before.

There are also a number of artefacts that have never been on public display before including a plan of the First-Class accommodation, five original photographs from Titanic’s launch on 31st May 1911 as well as items belonging to Malcolm Joakim Johnson – including his personal pocket watch and manifest ticket which is stamped 10th April 1912.

For further information on Young Lives Vs Cancer click here.