Height of fashion for Breathe Easy!

IT was an evening of triple celebration for Breathe Easy Causeway at the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine.
Barbara Blair, Rachel Graham, Helen McNulty, Aideen McQuillan and Carol Molyneaux pictured at the fashion show. INCR41-152KMBarbara Blair, Rachel Graham, Helen McNulty, Aideen McQuillan and Carol Molyneaux pictured at the fashion show. INCR41-152KM
Barbara Blair, Rachel Graham, Helen McNulty, Aideen McQuillan and Carol Molyneaux pictured at the fashion show. INCR41-152KM

The Coleraine-based group, which campaigns for the best possible health care for those people battling severe lung disease, organised a Fashion Extravaganza in aid of funds for British Lung Foundation in Northern Ireland.

At the show it was announced that Breathe Easy Causeway had won two top awards, firstly a national ‘Breath of Fresh Air Award for ‘Contribution to BLF Projects’ and secondly a regional award for ‘Outstanding contribution to Awareness Raising and campaigning ‘organised annually by BLF.

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And there was a special presentation made to Breathe Easy member, Mrs Bernie Reid, to mark the ninth anniversary of her double lung and heart transplant.

Presenting the BLF national awards to Marie Hegarty, Chairperson of Breathe Easy Causeway, Mrs Nessie Blair, MBE Service Development Manager for BLF in Northern Ireland, said: “Breathe Easy Causeway has raised over £120,000 for BLF funds since it was formed just over a decade ago. The local Group has shown great diligence and enterprise in its awareness raising campaigns.

“It is not often realised that one-in-five people have serious breathing problems, yet respiratory illness is still treated as the “Cinderella” of Health Service care. BLF is campaigning vigorously to ensure that lung disease patients receive the best possible care and advice.”

Mrs Blair also reminded a packed audience that some of the funds raised locally meant that the Northern Trust now had nine BLF nurses who will be supported in specialist training by BLF in collaboration with Northern Trust.

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The Fashion Show, co-ordinated by Claire Bleakley, and compered by Carolyn Blair, was an 
outstanding success.

Male and female models paraded the catwalk representing the Coleraine stores Moores and Dunnes and displayed the latest in autumn and winter fashions, while jewellery and footwear were shown by models representing Lou’s Botique and Sarah’s Shoes, both of Ballymoney.

The jovial atmosphere was enhanced by the singing of Coleraine professional, Maggie Ferris, who had just returned from her honeymoon earlier in the week, In 2011 Maggie reached the finals of the All-Ireland talent 
show representing Dana and the North-West. She is organising a variety show at the Riverside Theatre on 
December 7.

Kevin Hughes provided music throughout the evening and set the mood for the models on the cat walk. The evening was concluded by a demonstration of Irish dancing by the talented dance-group INNOVA.

Breathe Easy Causeway meet first Thursday of each month in Coleraine Rugby Club, 7pm -9pm. For further information please contact Marie Hegarty 07515068303

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