Tribute fund raises cash for hospice

Bereaved family and friends of Newtownabbey man Richard Gibson have raised a tremendous £1,020 for Northern Ireland Hospice.
The family of the late Richard Gibson, from Knockview Road, Newtownabbey, (back from left) Lauren Molloy, Lola Molloy, Lisa Gibson (Richards wife) and front: Ann Gibson, Roxi Gibson Meharg and Carrie-Ann Gibson present a cheque to Sharon Gorman, donor officer, NI Hospice. INNT 49-456-CONThe family of the late Richard Gibson, from Knockview Road, Newtownabbey, (back from left) Lauren Molloy, Lola Molloy, Lisa Gibson (Richards wife) and front: Ann Gibson, Roxi Gibson Meharg and Carrie-Ann Gibson present a cheque to Sharon Gorman, donor officer, NI Hospice. INNT 49-456-CON
The family of the late Richard Gibson, from Knockview Road, Newtownabbey, (back from left) Lauren Molloy, Lola Molloy, Lisa Gibson (Richards wife) and front: Ann Gibson, Roxi Gibson Meharg and Carrie-Ann Gibson present a cheque to Sharon Gorman, donor officer, NI Hospice. INNT 49-456-CON

The sum has been donated in support of hospice services and in memory of their “brave and inspirational husband, son, brother, stepfather, step grandfather, grandson, uncle, nephew and friend”.

Thirty-four-year-old Richard passed away in the in-patient unit on October 6, after an intense four-year battle with bowel cancer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His devoted wife Lisa and his family were so overwhelmed by the immense difference that the specialist nursing team had made to Richard’s final days that they kindly requested donations in lieu of flowers at his funeral. They also felt that it would be a fitting tribute to this brave, selfless young man to set up the Richard Gibson Tribute Fund in a bid to commemorate his life whilst improving the lives of other people needing hospice care.

Lisa said: “When Richard was transferred to hospice, I was initially very apprehensive as I envisaged it to be a gloomy place. However, nothing could have been further from the truth. It was homely and welcoming and the nursing staff and volunteers always went the extra mile to ensure that Richard’s every need was met. Richard only spent four days there but the difference they made to his quality of life was incredible. They understood how we felt and showed our entire family such empathy and compassion. Through Richard’s Tribute Fund, I’m determined to raise as much money as I can so that other families will benefit.”

Sharon Gorman, donor development officer, added: “Amidst their grief we are so touched that Richard’s loved ones have thought of us by requesting donations in lieu of flowers and raising £1,020. Hospice relies heavily on voluntary income especially during this current economic climate where fundraising is becoming increasingly challenging. We hope that knowing that this substantial donation will make a real difference to other patients like Richard will bring them a little sense of comfort during this tragic time. We would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to them as their generosity will enable us to fund 10 nights of respite care.”