Nearly £16,000 is raised in loving memory of Esme Marie

Together with the Ulster Cancer Foundation, the Devine family set up the Esme Marie McManus Forget Me Not Fund and have raised an incredible total of nearly £16,000 to date through a series of fundraising events.

The latest fundraiser was a special charity night at St Comgall’s Club which included the auction of signed Celtic, Manchester United and Leinster shirts and raised more than £4,000. The evening was organised by Esmie’s sisters, Cate Devine and Geraldine Hamilton. Their uncle Michael Campbell also organised a charity quiz at Larne Bowling Club which raised over £400.

Cate, who is expecting a baby at the end of September, and Geraldine, who has just had a baby boy called Alex, said: “We are completely overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community. The family wish to thank everyone who has supported our events, including all those organisations and businesses which recently donated raffle prizes and provided music for the night.

“All money raised for the fund is donated in Esme’s name to UCF and will help fund vital cancer support and care services for cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland.

“It is so sad that our beloved Esme isn’t here to enjoy the new babies who she would have loved. But we know she is looking down on us all and we are proud to be able to do this work in her name to help support others who are coping with a cancer diagnosis.”

The family would like to thank the following for their support: Manchester United FC, Celtic FC, Leinster Rugby, The Beauty Studio, The Barber Shop, Viking Lodge, Spar, Haze at No 10, Olderfleet Bar, Origin Hair, Calm Skin Therapy, Robinson’s Furniture and Gifts, Plata Jewellers and the Meeting House, those who provided the music and all others who helped with the event.

UCF was the first charity in Northern Ireland to introduce Forget Me Not tribute funds, which is a special way of giving donations to the charity.

Claire Hudson from UCF said, “Thank you to Cate, Geraldine and the Devine family for their commitment and continued support. They have raised a magnificent sum which will be a huge help funding our many free services for cancer patients.

“Setting up a Forget Me Not Fund in the name of a loved one is a very special way to remember someone and celebrate their life, while raising much needed funds for UCF. Some people choose to set up a fund in honour of a loved one, friend or colleague who has passed away, while others will set up a fund to celebrate surviving cancer.

“Family, friends and work colleagues can all support the funds - in any way that is right for them and for as long as they like. Forget Me Not Funds can help change the lives of people, not just today but for future generations.”

If you would like more information on setting up a Forget Me Not Fund in memory of your loved one please contact Claire Hudson at UCF by telephoning 9068 0745 or by emailing [email protected]. For more information about the f UCF log onto www.ulstercancer.or org or call 9066 3281.