Thousands raised for charity

Former Mayor Andrew Ewing pictured with volunteers from the Lisburn branch of Marie Curie during a reception when he handed over a cheque for more than £56,000 to the charity, raised during his nine months in office. US1544-537cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

£56,087.30 through many and varied fundraising events and the charity were delighted with the amount raised.

Classic car run, Billy Dickson Body Jigsaw evening, Lisburn’s Got Talent and Craft Fair to name but a few of the events that were organised from August 2014 to March 2015,

On average there were three events each month, which were supported by local people and local businesses and both the charity and Mr Ewing are very grateful for the support.

“We are delighted to have raised this amount of money for a fantastic charity who have been a pleasure to work with over my nine months in office,” said Mr Ewing. “We are indebted to so many people for their kindness and generosity. There are so many people to thank who contributed in so many ways. I would also like to thank the excellent staff in the council including the mayors office who made this all possible.”

A spokesperon for Marie Curie Cancer Care thanked everyone who helped throughout the year. “We enjoyed all the events and had a lot of fun at each of them. Our volunteers were supported by the Mayor’s office secretary and the council officers, without their support the events would have been impossible to organise and run successfully, truly a team effort.

“Well done to everyone who had a part in this tremendous fundraising for Marie Curie, such a worthy cause. The cheque handover was attended by some of the people who supported us and some of our volunteer group.

“If anyone would like to support Marie Curie there are lots of opportunities to do this, from volunteering in the charity shop, providing clothes to be sold in the shop or registering as a collector for Marie Curie to give an hour to collect at various times throughout the year or even joining our fundraising group. We are a happy bunch who enjoy raising money for the care of those in their final days. As volunteers we all have had loved ones who have been touched by cancer and cared for by Marie Curie nurses.

“Thank you once again to everyone who supported and those who sponsored our events. You have made a difference in the lives of so many terminally ill people.”