Ruth Maguire’s family raise £9,000 for Newcastle RNLI

Ruth Maguire’s family raise £9,000 for Newcastle RNLI

21 August 2019

THE family of Newcastle woman Ruth Maguire, who drowned in Carlingford Lough in March, have raised £9,000 for Newcastle RNLI in her memory. 

Newcastle RNLI was involved in the search for the mother of four along with other search and rescue agencies and recovered her from the lough after an extensive search.  

Staff at the lifeboat station were incredibly moved by the kind gesture from the 30 year-old’s loved ones and have expressed their deep gratitude for the substantial donation.

Following the tragedy, Ruth’s family carried out numerous fundraising events between Newcastle and Belfast. These included a sponsored walk of Slieve Donard and her brother-in-law completing the Belfast Marathon.  

A major fundraising night was also held in Byransford GAA club in Newcastle which was supported by people throughout the county.

The cheque was recently handed over to Newcastle RNLI by members of the Maguire family, which included Ruth’s fiancé, Jim Griffin, who she was due to be married to last week.

Newcastle Lifeboat operations manager Lisa Ramsden said the crew were “completely overwhelmed by this donation”.

She continued: “It was our sad duty to help bring Ruth home that day but the crew were honoured to be able to return her to her loved ones.

“Ruth was a local girl and we felt her loss. It was a difficult callout for the station and our hearts went out to her family and friends.

“We are astounded that in the weeks and months following her loss, that the family thought of others at this time and raised funds in her memory. It’s a beautiful and fitting tribute to Ruth and we are extremely grateful for it.

Ms Ramsden added: “We will always remember Ruth and are proud that the funds raised in her memory will be spent here in Newcastle to help the work of the RNLI in saving lives.”