Tributes paid to "a remarkable lady"

Chairperson Odhran Darragh said: " Mary Henderson was a true lady, she has been a pillar of strength to everyone within the cancer group since it began a few years ago.

"When I first began setting the group up in 2007, Mary and indeed her husband John were fantastic help, onboard to do whatever possible to get us up and going, and support us in every way possible.

"I know without doubt I couldn't have got here without them. So in truth every success of the group we owe to them.

"Despite battling cancer herself Mary was always on hand and very willing to visit new cancer patients who contacted me. It always struck me that never did she complain, despite treatments and sickness Mary always kept an appearence at our tea mornings, and on the seldom times she couldn't make it, we felt her presence.

"An unbreakable bond was imediately formed when we would visit new patients or when someone new came to the group. Mary always supported them through good and bad times, and at times you couldn't believe that she was going through such a hard time herself, simply because her smile never left her face, she always kept the group amazed by her bravery and her determination to beat cancer.

"Last March we awarded Mary with A trophey to thank her for her contribution to the foundation, this being only a small gesture in comparison to her help.

"She hated praise as she didn't think she was worthy of it, but I have watched and listened to Mary give people hope at possibly the lowest times in their journey through cancer.

"She has encouraged people to go for every treatment offered, and the success of which has lead to people now being completely cured.

"Although in recent weeks she hasn't been able to attend the meetings, she always kept up to date with everything and still kept in contact with her friends who she has been supporting.

"Her loss certainly has shaken the group. But it gives extra encouragement to use both Mary and Aileen's bravery and hope, to go out their and help more and more people.

"We will all miss you."

The Aileen McCann Foundation has a new address: 2 Churchfields Rasharkin - 29571656 - 07999304445.