We’re keeping Gareth’s memory alive says mum

Gareth Boyle, died from a heart attack at his Killykergan Road home on September 8, last year.

Chest Heart and Stoke have set up a memorial fund in Gareth’s name to research into sudden cardiac deaths in young people.

Gareth was a happy, kind hearted young man who loved life and his job as an assistant bar manager at the Lodge Hotel in Coleraine.

His mum, Maudie told The Coleraine Times that the family is so grateful to everyone who supported the many fundraisers in her son’s name.

“We are overwhelmed by the love and support the Lodge Hotel and Gareth’s colleagues have shown to us, especially Johnny Campbell, Karl Seaton and Mark McGookin

“I just want to personally thank them for the events they have organised and are planning in the future to keep Gareth’s memory alive.”

Maudie described her son as someone who was loved and respected by everyone who knew him . He had a “huge personality” and “loved life and lived it to the full’.

“Gareth brightened up a room as soon as he walked in, he was the life and soul of any party,” she said.

Next Monday two of Gareth’s cousins, from Banbridge, will take part in the Belfast Marathon.

Diane Wilson and her sister in law Coleen only decided to take part in the May Day event at Christmas. Diane says it ‘s a way of doing something constructive to deal with the grief of losing Gareth whom she was very close to.

“It will be so emotional,” she says. “When we hit the wall at about 18 miles, we’ll be thinking of Gareth and we won’t stop.”

Maudie is very proud of the girls and their marathon efforts and has been fundraising in Coleraine on their behalf.

So far she’s managed to raise £1,900 and wishes to thank everyone who has donated.

“I really just want to thank everyone who has donated, especially my employers and work colleagues at Maine Surface Finishings outside Dunloy. Our friends and neighbours have also given so generously towards Chest, Heart and Stoke.

“Every pound helps in this vital research into cardiac deaths in young people, if we can save the live of one person, then we’ll be doing Gareth’s memory justice,” said Maudie.

Maudie wishes to say a special thank you to Maureen Baw and Valerie Saunders who kindly arranged the memorial fund.