Bellaghy family raise £18,000 for NI Hospice in memory of Margaret

The Diamond family, along with supportive friends and members of the Bellaghy community, embarked on a variety of fundraising activities over the past few months.

The activities were organised as a tribute to the life of their beloved mother Margaret who sadly passed away in August 2016.

The family and friends gave up months of their time to organise a tandem sky dive, Zumbathon and a 10k run in Church Island amongst many other activities.

This was all topped off with a night at the Races in The White River Hotel, Toome, on April 1.

Margaret was cared for by the Northern Ireland Hospice community nurses in her home. When handing over the individual cheques of £18,000 to NI Hospice, Margaret’s husband Phillip said: ““NI Hospice provided support to myself and to my family at what was a very difficult time.

“We wanted to be able to give something back so that we as a family, in memory of Margaret, could help another local family through their journey.

“I would like to personally thank the local community and everyone who supported our fundraising efforts – it means a lot to our family.”

Michael Nugent, Community Fundraiser for Northern Ireland Hospice added: “Northern Ireland Hospice is a charity caring for local people.

“We could not provide this vital care in the community without the support of local people.

“We would like to sincerely thank the Diamond family and friends for giving Hospice the chance to care for other local families at what is a very difficult time in their lives. I would like to thank everyone who supported the fundraising events.

“Your support has made a real difference to the lives of the patients and their families that Hospice cares for.”

If you are interested in getting involved in fundraising, please contact Michael Nugent, Community Fundraiser on 07711377328 or email [email protected]

Northern Ireland Hospice cares for 3,500 babies, children and adults with life-limiting illnesses and their families each year.

Demand for Hospice services in Northern Ireland is increasing and the charity is now caring for over 90% of patients in their own homes.

Whilst Hospice care is free to the patient, it is not free to provide and the charity relies heavily on support and donations from the public.

It costs in excess of £9.5m per annum to run Northern Ireland Hospice care services.