Sisters on song for major charity fundraising event

Sisters on song for major charity fundraising event

13 September 2017

A CHARITY which provides key support to families whose loved ones are battling cancer or have died from the disease will be the main beneficiary of a concert in Downpatrick this weekend.

The fantastic Belfast Community Gospel Choir is headlining the fundraising concert in aid of Cancer Focus NI this Saturday evening in the town’s Cricket Club at 7.30pm and a number of tickets will be available at the door on the night.

The concert is being organised by sisters Emma and Evie Telford in memory of their mum Lorna who lost her brave battle with lung cancer, despite being a non-smoker, exactly three years ago.

The girls have benefited from the Cancer Focus family service which provides key support to children who have lost a parent to the disease which can leave them isolated and frightened and in need of help as a result of the dramatic change to their lives.

The family service helps families cope with the devastating disruption to ordinary family life and works to minimise the long-term impact on children’s emotional well-being when a mum, dad or close family member has cancer. 

The Downpatrick sisters have been working hard organising the concert which will feature a mini sports auction featuring a number of prized items which have been donated supported by sports stars, soccer and international rugby teams.

The items include a shirt signed by the Ireland rugby team, a signed Manchester United shirt and a pair of boxing gloves signed by Belfast’s very own Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton.

Also up for auction will be a ball signed by the Scottish international rugby team alongside two tickets for a Celtic FC home game in the Scottish Premiership — except Rangers — and four tickets for a tour of The Hoops famous Glasgow ground. 

And as result of the overwhelming generosity of local businesses, over 20 fabulous raffle prizes will be up for grabs on the night.

Emma and Evie’s mum was a former assistant director with the South Eastern Trust based at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald and a number of her colleagues will be in Downpatrick for this weekend’s concert.

The Community Gospel Choir’s incomparable director, Marie Lacey, said everyone was looking forward to Saturday night’s concert to raise money for Cancer Focus NI.

“We are delighted to be returning to Downpatrick to perform especially as Emma is a member of our choir. While I never met Lorna she was clearly a very special person and her daughters are a great credit to her. 

“They appreciate the help and support they received from Cancer Focus NI and are keen to raise money so the charity can help other children who lose a parent or other family member to cancer,” she added.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairwoman Roisin Mulgrew is also encouraging people to attend the weekend concert and was delighted to meet Emma and Evie a number of weeks to learn more about their mum and the work the sisters have been doing to support Cancer Focus.

Emma and Evie are delighted with the support the concert has received and have been blown away by the generosity of local businesses and high profile sports stars including Carl Frampton and Rory McIlroy.

The sisters added:  “We hope people will support the concert which will not only be a great night out, but a chance to win some fantastic raffle prizes and bid for some great sports items that we have been fortunate to secure. 

“The concert has generated so much interest in the community and the array of raffle prizes is amazing. We have no doubt people will have an enjoyable evening and help raise money for a very worthy cause and also remember our mum and her legacy.”