Madge (100) raises charity cash

Madge, a former nurse who became a centenarian on February 27, celebrated the important milestone in her life by thinking of others.

Instead of presents she asked that people donated money, and had two parties in her honour.

One of these was with fellow residents from the fold she resides in on the Belsize Road with around 50 people gathering for the tea party. The second event was with family and close friends.

All the money, £1,330, raised will go towards the cancer charity Marie Curie.

Chairperson for Lisburn-Hillsborough Marie Curie fundraising group Yvonne Craig said that the selfless act will make a huge difference to many peoples lives.

“Nursery care is £20 per hour and this money will go towards that as well as a befriending service for people who are going through cancer treatment or are terminally ill,” said Yvonne.

“It is practially unheard of for a single person to donate such a large amount. It is amazing. It would normally be groups that would donate this amount not a single person.

“This amount of money equals 260 hours or nursing care for people who are terminally ill. That is a lot of care.”

It is not the only time Madge, a former nurse raised money for charity. A 90th birthday party helped her raise money for two separate charities.

Her family believe that Madge’s independence is the secret to her long and healthy lifestyle.

Madge, who lives independently in the fold, was born on February 27 and has worked hard all her life.

She trained as a nurse in England.

She, according to her children Arthur and Marjorie, has a determined and can-do attitude which they believe has helped see her through her life.

Yvonne said she was delighted to be asked to receive the cheque on behalf of Marie Curie from such what she described as a ‘generous family’ and ‘wonderful lady.’

The family, Arthur Doherty, John and Majorie Truesdale would like to thank everyone that came and donated and also those from near and far (South Africa) who made generous donations.

They said their mother had a very special celebration and thoroughly enjoyed it.