Local family raises money for Hospice

Local family raises money for Hospice

1 July 2015

A DOWNPATRICK family has raised almost £3,400 for the Northern Ireland Hospice.

The Murray family, from Drumcullen Road, raised the money in memory of Mrs. Lily Murray — who passed away recently — during a quiz held at the Lakeside Inn on June 12.

The event was organised as a tribute to the life of Mrs Murray, a much loved mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother who sadly passed away in April after a year long illness during which she was cared for at home by Hospice nurses. 

Mrs Murray’s children said the quiz was held as a tribute to their mother and to raise money to help other families who, unfortunately, may need Hospice care in the coming months. 

“The Hospice staff were on hand to help us every step of the way, especially Oliver, who was so diligent and always at the end of the telephone to ease our concerns and make things a little easier,” said the family.

“We are absolutely delighted with the support we received for this fundraising event and would like to thank everyone who attended, brought food along, and donated prizes. In particular, thanks to Margaret and Geoffrey Ferguson of The Lakeside Inn who hosted the quiz.”

Deirdre Melly, a community fundraiser for the Hospice, thanked the Murray Family for “raising such an amazing amount.”

She continued: “The Murray family has decided to distribute half the funds towards the annual running costs of the Hospice which is £6m a year, with the remainder going towards the cost of building the new Northern Ireland Hospice.”

Deirdre said the race was now on to raise the remaining £1.6m needed to complete the state-of-the-art £13m project. Once completed, the new Hospice will be the centre of excellence in palliative care in Northern Ireland. 

Deirdre added: “Donations like this from the Murray family are vital in ensuring we continue to provide the best care for families with life-limiting illnesses.”

More information on the rebuild project and how to get involved with fundraising is available by contacting Deirdre on 07711 377328 or emailing deirdre.melly@nihospice.org.