Thousands raised for charity in memory of Carrickfergus mum Lyndsey Haighton

Lyndsey Haighton, who was 36, passed away on Thursday, October 7.

The married mum-of-two was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 at the age of 30.

Since then, she had been a tireless ambassador for local cancer charities, in particular, the east Antrim-based Hope House Ireland.

Thousands have been raised for worthy causes in memory of the mum-of-two.

Lyndsey was also a strong advocate for being “breast cancer aware”, encouraging women to carry out routine breast examinations no matter what their age.

Speaking to the Carrick Times after her diagnosis five years ago, Lyndsey said: “My friends were shocked when I was first diagnosed because I’m so young, and that’s maybe a reason why a lot of people don’t think it’ll happen to them.

“Hopefully what I’ve been through will encourage more women to check themselves on a regular basis.”

A fundraiser (available here) established by Lyndsey’s family in her memory has already raised over £4000 for both Hope House Ireland and The Cancer Fund for Children.

Paying tribute to his late wife, Lyndsey’s husband Thomas Haighton said she was the “strongest and most courageous woman I know... who left this world after fighting a long and difficult battle with secondary breast cancer.”

The local dad also praised the generosity of those who had donated to the causes so close to their hearts, adding: “It will make a big difference to people going through what we have.”

Expressing condolences to the family were Hawthorns Adult Centre in Carrickfergus, where Thomas is a manager.

Hawthorns said the couple were “both heavily involved in any projects that were happening in the centre, and supported these as a family - in particular the Learning Disability Pride events and all the Christmas shows and sales.

“Lyndsey and Thomas in fact met in Hawthorns while Lyndsey completed a placement there for her pathway on her nursing career. So the fuse was kind of lit in Hawthorns and [the centre] remained a big part of their lives from that day on.”

Hope House, with whom Lyndsey was a volunteer fundraiser for several years, added: “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles, and you Lyndsey were a Hope Hero to us all as you showed us daily what a winner looks like.”

A service of celebration for Lyndsey’s life took place at Elim Pentecostal Church on Monday, October 11, with mourners urged to wear bright colours to celebrate a well lived life, in accordance with her wishes.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas, children Leah and Lewis, and parents Robert and Shirley.

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