Church presents £1,000 for Friends of the Cancer Centre

The donation to the Moderator’s Appeal was raised through a sponsored walk along the Newry Canal towpath and the appeal tally now sits at more than £20,000.

The money will be used to buy equipment for children receiving treatment and to provide accommodation for families of patients at the cancer centre.

“Having people who work tirelessly at the City Hospital looking after patients is something we take for granted,” said Mr Peden. “It is wonderful to have these dedicated people there.

“In these challenging times, £1,000 is a tremendous amount for the Banbridge congregation to raise and I am really encouraged.”

Children’s Day was celebrated in the Non-Subscribing Church on Sunday, June 24, with Megan Whan conducting the service and prayers and readings given by Melissa Whan, Natalie Forsythe, Victoria Bushby, Ruby Bushby, Sarah Forsythe and James Whan.

Mrs Doris Hutton presented the annual Sunday School prizes and Rev Norman Hutton presented the two special cups. Victoria Bushby received the Cup for Best Bible Knowledge and Natalie, Sarah and Ellen Forsythe shared the Cup for Best Attendance.

The children were congratulated on their success at the annual Sunday School Conference and Mr Hutton thanked Sunday School Superintendent, Carol McAlister, and her helpers.

The children picked up a number of awards: in the under-four category, Mia Richardson won a first prize and Caitlin Shaw came third. In the age 4-5 category, Ellen Forsythe attained third place and Abbie Richardson picked up two prizes in the 6-7 category, earning a second and a third.

Cousins Melissa Whan and Victoria Bushby finished third in the 11-13 age group and Megan Whan received a third prize for her entry in the 14-plus category.