Concert raises money for sick children

A Loughbrickland couple have extended their thanks to all those who supported the Gospel Concert held in Rathfriland High School to raise money for the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
Mr Gordon Fegan and his wife Amanda, present Tracy Gemmell, Ward Sister and Sarah Strain, Staff Nurse, Barbour Ward, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children with practical items and toys purchased with the proceeds totalling £1,748.47 pence, raised during a Gospel Concert, held in Rathfriland High School on Friday 24th October 2014. Also included are left, Pastor Ian Wilson, Rathfriland Baptist Church, and centre, Julie Ozlu and her son Noah, a former patient of the Barbour Ward.  © Photo: Gary Gardiner. IN BL WK 0115-502.Mr Gordon Fegan and his wife Amanda, present Tracy Gemmell, Ward Sister and Sarah Strain, Staff Nurse, Barbour Ward, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children with practical items and toys purchased with the proceeds totalling £1,748.47 pence, raised during a Gospel Concert, held in Rathfriland High School on Friday 24th October 2014. Also included are left, Pastor Ian Wilson, Rathfriland Baptist Church, and centre, Julie Ozlu and her son Noah, a former patient of the Barbour Ward.  © Photo: Gary Gardiner. IN BL WK 0115-502.
Mr Gordon Fegan and his wife Amanda, present Tracy Gemmell, Ward Sister and Sarah Strain, Staff Nurse, Barbour Ward, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children with practical items and toys purchased with the proceeds totalling £1,748.47 pence, raised during a Gospel Concert, held in Rathfriland High School on Friday 24th October 2014. Also included are left, Pastor Ian Wilson, Rathfriland Baptist Church, and centre, Julie Ozlu and her son Noah, a former patient of the Barbour Ward. © Photo: Gary Gardiner. IN BL WK 0115-502.

Gordon and Amanda Fegan were “blown away” with the response.

A freewill offering was received at the end of the evening, which came to a total of £1,748.47. This money was used to buy practical items along with toys for use by children of the Barbour Ward, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, which were kindly received by Tracy Gemmell, Ward Sister and Sarah Strain, Staff Nurse in December.

The couple said: “May we first of all thank Mrs Amanda McCullough, Principal, for providing a perfect venue in which to hold the event. Also to June Stoops, who works in the school office for all her assistance.

“A very special thank you goes to Samuel Heenan, school caretaker, who was more than willing to help, going above and beyond the call of duty”.

They added: “ May we also thank Rachel Henry, who designed the Invitations and Trim Tech Graphics, for their printing and posters and to event compere, Ian Cousins, who welcomed patrons and Gospel artists.

“To my father Philip, who opened the evening, giving thanks to God, followed by local piper Gail Graham, who played Amazing Grace on the bag pipes.”

They continued: “No concert would be possible without artists, a big thank you goes to, ‘Revelation’, Zara Jayne Stronge, Roy Drenning (Live Issue), Kathryn Mitchell, Denver and Lynn, Keith and Karen, (Acre Gospel Mission) the Donaghmore Quintet and last but no means least the children and youth from Rathfriland Baptist Church, who made a very special evening for one and all.”

“A special thank you to Pastor Ian Wilson, Rathfriland Baptist Church, who spoke from God’s Word, and gave thanks for the refreshments provided,” they added.

“A great team of workers of workers served tea, for the 380 patrons who attended. Many thanks and appreciation goes to Nigel and Daphne Falloon, along with Mrs Valerie Fegan, who provided tables along with many others.

The couple added: “Most of all we give our Lord and Saviour all the Glory, Honour and Praise, for such a worderful night of Praise and Worship. Also a night of opportunity to hear of God’s so Great Salvation, proclaimed in every piece that was sung. Once again as a family we can say ‘The Lord hath done great things for us of where we are glad.”