Cheevers 10th anniversary memorial night in Cookstown

The event, which marks a decade since his passing, will take place at the Glenavon Hotel on November 13 and all proceeds will go towards the Motor Neurone Disease Association in Northern Ireland.

Son Darren Cheevers, who now lives near Portglenone, explained that the event is not only to raise much-needed cash for the cause, but also to highlight the debilitating condition for which there is no cure. The late Mr Cheevers was a well-known and much-loved figure in Cookstown, where he ran Alan Cheevers and Sons Butchers for many years. Mr Cheevers was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in March 2000 and sadly passed away in November of that year.

And encouraged by the fond memories of his father, thirty-one-year-old Darren along with his brother Ian (29) and sister Jackie (27) are hoping to reach or surpass the 10,000 mark which was collected as a result of the previous event in 2006.

During the fundraising night, which features a fork buffet and music, the organisers plan to hold a raffle and an auction, with some fantastic prizes to be won.

Darren told the MAIL that Motor Neurone Disease is a condition which needs more recognition and support to help families whose loved ones are suffering.

“We want to help people secure the care and support they need and to promote research into causes, treatments and cure,” he said. “And as well as that we want to keep the memory of our dad going.”

Darren is promising a fun-filled night in Cookstown and tickets for the event will be on sale soon.

“For the last event we sold 300 tickets in no time at all, so we’re hoping that once we get the tickets printed, there will be the same demand,” said Darren.

Meanwhile, there’s still plenty of time to donate an item for raffle or auction. Or if you would prefer to make a financial donation, this will be warmly welcomed by the family.

Darren is no stranger to raising money for this worthy cause. A few years ago he was among 30 cyclists who helped raise over 33,000 through the Champagne Challenge, a 250-mile ride from Crystal Palace in London to the capital of the champagne district, Reims, in France.

For donations please contact either Darren on 07871 957278, email: [email protected]; Ian on 07540 797692, email: [email protected], or Jackie on 07546 005654 or email: [email protected].

You can also visit the website www.justgiving.com/alancheeverscharitynight to make a contribution.

The Northern Ireland Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association can be contacted on 028 9334 2040 or by e-mail: [email protected].