Coalisland lady Nuala Corr’s legacy reaches Stormont

Mum of three, Nuala, described by those who knew her as “an absolute lady”, passed away on November 23 last year.

She worked as a nurse in the GP practice of Dr Murty in Dungannon for many years, where she was a much loved colleague and carer, having followed in the footsteps of her own mother, Irene, in this vocation.

Married to childhood sweetheart Frankie for almost 30 years, Nuala was also a devoted mother to daughters Aoife and Anna.

Last week, Aoife along with Nuala’s close friends and family members, travelled to Stormont to help raise awareness of the disease which claimed her life.

Representing A Cuppa For Nuala, their recent very successful fundraiser for Pancreatic Cancer UK, the group were part of a delegation which met MLAs, supporters and health professionals during a parliamentary reception for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

The event was sponsored by Jo-Anne Dobson MLA and over 20 MLAs, including Mid Ulster representative Sandra Overend, were in attendance.

A number of speakers on the day talked from a personal perspective and shared their stories.

Meanwhile, Nuala’s family was delighted to hand over a fantastic £6,115, the proceeds of the coffee morning, to the charity. A Cuppa for Nuala spokesperson said: “Nuala’s husband Frankie, daughters Aoife and Anna, her parents Irene and Ignatius and her friends Denise, Edel, Michelle, and Marian and the entire Hughes and Corr families would like to sincerely thank the people from our community who attended and donated.”

Speaking about their trip to Stormont, A Cuppa for Nuala spokesperson said: “Little did the organisers of A Cuppa for Nuala, to celebrate the life of the late Nuala Corr from Coalisland, realise that their event would pave the way for a visit to Stormont to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer.

“In acknowledgment of the fundraising efforts and coinciding with the launch of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November the group were invited to a reception to help raise the profile of the condition.

“The event was attended by other fundraisers, families and carers, health professionals and 20 MLA’s demonstrating a commitment to raising awareness and improving services for Pancreatic Cancer Patients and their families in Northern Ireland.

“Some very personal and inspirational stories were shared by family members and a patient affected by pancreatic cancer.

“The similarities in their stories were stark. The lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms, delays in diagnosis and difficulties securing effective treatments, were all highlighted.

“Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the UK and has the lowest survival rate of all cancers – only 3% of those diagnosed survive for five years. It is also the only cancer that has seen no improvement in survival rates over the last 40 years.

“Nuala’s family and friends hope that the success of “A Cuppa for Nuala” will help fund research, support patients and families, as well as raising awareness that will benefit those affected by Pancreatic Cancer in local communities.

“The organisers wish to convey their sincere gratitude to all who attended the coffee morning or contributed or participated in any way to making it such a successful event.”

The Pancreatic Cancer UK Confidential Support Line can be reached on 0808 801 0707. More information is also available at www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk