Holly and Heather raise more than £6k in memory of Lorna

Holly and Heather raise more than £6k in memory of Lorna

12 June 2024

TWO cousins raised over £6,000 for Marie Curie after hosting a barbecue near Killyleagh recently.

The brainchild of Holly Payne and Heather Parker, the barbecue was an opportunity to celebrate the life of Holly’s mother, Lorna Barton.

The barbecue was held at Heather’s home and was attended by over 100 people.

The amazing amount of £6,400 was raised, with all proceeds being used in Northern Ireland.

Mrs Barton received incredible care and support from Marie Curie while she was ill, and Holly said it an easy decision to pick the charity when planning the barbecue.

“Mum was so well looked after in the Marie Curie Hospice,”she continued.

“The staff were just beyond belief with their patience and wonderful care, which gave mum such comfort in her time of need.”

To bring even more of a party atmosphere Alan McKelvey and his Soul Diggers blues band entertained the crowd all afternoon.

A raffle was held, with a cement mixer being the tombola. The operator, Thomas Parker, was suitably dressed in a hard hat and hi-vis vest.

“This party was just my aunt Lorna personified,” Heather said.

“She would have loved it and would’ve been so humbled that over 100 people came to celebrate her life and raise funds in her memory.”

Both Holly and Heather’s expectations were superseded as they had set a target of £5,000.

“This will help to fund the incredible work that Marie Curie do,” Holly added.

“It will support the helping and caring for those with the end of life illness and those close to them, and every penny will be spent here in Northern Ireland.”