Ferryman’s family present cheque to local hospital unit

Ferryman’s family present cheque to local hospital unit

12 November 2014

THE twin daughters of a former member of the Strangford ferry crew have presented a cheque for £2,600 to staff at the Ulster Hospital’s MacDermott Unit.

Clare Doran and Julie McCarthy, whose father, John Mahon, recently lost his battle with cancer, presented the money to Sister Caitlin McCoy at the cancer unit where he was treated.

The presentation was made all the more poignant because Julie has since been diagnosed with cancer and is now being treated in the same unit at the Ulster Hospital.

The fundraising inspiration came from the Tony Browne Golf Society which has been raising money for local charities for over two decades. At a committee meeting earlier this year, it was decided to donate the funds to the MacDermott Unit in memory of John.

John’s brother, Pat, has long been a member of the Golfing Society and agreed to speak with John’s wife and children who, when approached, were thankful for the opportunity to show their appreciation to the staff at the MacDermott Unit for all the help and support they had received during John’s illness and during Julie’s treatment.

The family, including his daughter Clare, became involved in raising sponsorship and helping with the running of the event itself. Having raised £1,300 on the day, Clare was able to get this matched by Santander.

The Golf Society Committee and Mahon family are extremely grateful for this and would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported this worthwhile fundraising event.