Minister raises thousands for cancer charity over two years

Minister raises thousands for cancer charity over two years

15 January 2014

THE Right Rev. Sam Peden, former Moderator of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland, has raised an astonishing £28,521.65 for a local cancer charity.

The generous donation marks the end of Mr. Peden’s two-year term as Moderator, during which he chose Friends of the Cancer Centre as his nominated charity.

His fund-raising drive was carried across his home parishes of 1st Kilmore, Rademon, Ravara and Dromore. The impressive sum was raised with the help of the members of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland and a host of fundraising events which were carried out throughout the community.

Commenting on his time as Moderator and his inspiring fundraising drive, Mr. Peden said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to hand over this cheque as I know the money will make such a difference to the work of the charity.

“Like so many others right across Northern Ireland, my family has been touched by cancer and I’ve seen first-hand how important the work of Friends of the Cancer Centre is in supporting patients and families. I know our fundraising efforts will directly benefit those affected by cancer right here in Northern Ireland, many of them within my own parish.

He added: “I would like to sincerely thank the wider church community for all of their support during my time as Moderator. It is thanks to their kindness and generosity that we have been able to raise such an impressive sum of money for ‘Friends’.”

Mr. Peden has a long history with Friends of the Cancer Centre and has been fundraising to support cancer patients and their families since the early days of the charity.

Since then, he has also been heavily involved in Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Dromore fund-raising group. His family are also dedicated supporters of the charity, including his grandchildren who are now avid fundraisers.

Friends of the Cancer Centre is Northern Ireland’s leading cancer charity and is based at the heart of the Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital.

Friends of the Cancer Centre relies entirely on donations and all money raised goes towards providing and funding key services and vital projects that have a real and lasting impact on patients and their families.

Colleen Shaw, CEO of Friends of the Cancer Centre, said: “Sam has been a loyal supporter of Friends of the Cancer Centre for many years and he has been a fantastic ambassador for the charity.

During his time as Moderator of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland he has been able to rally support amongst his church community and raise a phenomenal sum of money.