Memorial fundraiser 
a stroll in the park

Funds raised from the ‘Stroll in the Park’ as well as a donation from Ashley Boreland’s first art exhibition together has raised £9477. All of the funds will be added to the Judith Gillanders Forget Me Not Fund which will allow Cancer Focus NI to continue funding pioneering research at Queen’s University of Belfast.

The family of the late Judith Gillanders (nee Boreland) organised the sponsored walk to honour her memory and to raise funds for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. The money raised by the walk will be used to support local cancer research as Judith had requested.

Judith who was from Hillsborough, spent time in the USA and in England following her marriage in 2006. She returned to Northern Ireland due to her husband, Ross’s work in 2014.

It was in February of last year that Judith became ill with a very aggressive form of cancer and passed away on May 28. She hadtwo children George (5) and Ciara (3).

Judith’s mother, Elizabeth Boreland said: “Wherever Judith lived one of her great loves was to get involved

with and support local charities.”

While living in Long Island she cut her hair and donated to ‘Love Locks’ - an organisation which makes wigs for people undergoing chemotherapy treatment. When the family moved to Vermont, Judith, who was fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, volunteered as a translator for a charity that provided free healthcare for Latino migrant workers and supported disadvantaged youngsters. Judith was always keen to help out however she could.

Suzanne O’Loughlin, Community Fundraising Officer, Cancer Focus NI, said: “We are delighted to be the beneficiary of this thoughtful event in memory of Judith.

“As a Girl Guide Leader and a great lover of the outdoors this is a perfect way to celebrate Judith’s life. We are really looking forward to seeing family, friends, colleagues and neighbours all coming together to remember Judith and all that she accomplished.

“We really would urge any other members of the local community to come along and support the Boreland family with their fundraising.”

For more information or for details on taking part please contact Suzanne O’Loughlin on 028 9068 0741 or email [email protected]. If you would like to make a donation to a fund created in Judith’s memory please visit www.justgiving.com/judithgillanders.

Cancer Focus NI’s services include counselling, support groups, art therapy, bra-fitting service, Zest for

Life, and cancer prevention in workplaces, schools and community venues. The charity also funds research into breast cancer at Queen’s University Belfast.