Cathy Valente and Michael Wilson took part in a poetry event at Carrickfergus Library. The session focused on poetry as emotional support.

Valente, from Whiteabbey, wrote a collection of poems in 2025 while receiving treatment for stage 4 breast cancer. The book details her diagnosis and includes verses to offer comfort to others facing similar experiences. It has raised over £850 for cancer charities, including Friends of the Cancer Centre and Cancer Lifeline.

Wilson, from Portstewart and now based in Carrick, has won awards for poetry slam performances. He has performed at festivals including Belfast Book Festival.

Both poets described how writing poetry supported their mental health journeys. Valente drew resilience and connection from the practice. Wilson used it after being deemed unfit to work.

Sarah Wilson, Community Fundraising Officer for Friends of the Cancer Centre, attended the event. She expressed support for Valente's efforts to raise awareness of her diagnosis through poetry readings.