Fundraising event raises thousands for hospital

Fundraising event raises thousands for hospital

12 October 2016

AN organ donation themed fundraising night at Eclipse Cinemas Downpatrick has helped raise over £6,000.

Saturday’s VIP event, with mystery movie, music, drinks reception and raffle, was organised by cinema manager Roisin Taggart in honour of her brother, Tommy McManus.

Tommy, who is on the waiting list for a heart transplant, is alive thanks only to a specialist cardiac pump he has to carry with him everywhere.

The 40 year-old Downpatrick man became suddenly and gravely ill last year, was diagnosed with heart failure and later airlifted to a specialist unit in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. After five weeks in hospital he had open heart surgery to fit a mechanical heart pump. 

Tommy and his family wanted to raise money for the Freeman Hospital Trust in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where he and other specialist patients from Northern Ireland have been treated, as well as buying a defibrillator to keep at Eclipse Cinemas. Tommy also wants to encourage a better awareness of chronic heart conditions.

The amount raised at the organ donation fundraiser was over £6,500, which includes Eclipse Cinemas’ contribution of £1 from each of their ticket sales last week.

In a message on their Facebook page, Roisin thanked everyone who had helped make their fundraising night such a success.

“I am totally and utterly humbled by the people we met and the stories they shared about their transplant experiences,” she said. 

“Thank you to everyone who bought tickets or donated in any way. Your generosity knows no end.

“Most importantly, I hope that the event and the publicity surrounding it has increased awareness of organ donation — it’s not talked about enough. Great to see so many people signing up to join the donor register — please keep spreading the word.”