Sports superstars weigh in behind gospel choir concert

Sports superstars weigh in behind gospel choir concert

6 September 2017

THE countdown is on to next weekend’s Belfast Community Gospel Choir concert in Downpatrick Cricket Club.

Organised by Downpatrick sisters Emma and Evie Telford in memory of their mum Lorna, who passed away almost three years ago, the September 16 concert will be raising funds for Cancer Focus NI.

In addition to the concert, there will be a mini sports auction featuring a number of prized items including 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 two tickets for a Celtic FC home game in the Scottish Premiership and four tickets for a tour of The Hoops’ famous Glasgow ground. As a result of the overwhelming generosity of local businesses, over 20 fabulous raffle prizes will be up for grabs on the night.

Emma and Evie have been working hard on putting together the concert for several months with the event taking place on the eve of the third anniversary of their beloved mum’s passing from lung cancer, despite her being a non-smoker.

Lorna was a former assistant director with the South Eastern Trust based at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald and was held in high regard by her peers.

The renowned Belfast Community Gospel Choir — under its incomparable director Marie Lacey — plays to packed houses wherever it goes, with its members looking forward to next weekend’s concert which starts at 7.30pm.

The multi-cultural gospel choir is looking forward to performing at the local venue to raise funds for Cancer Focus NI which provided great help, support, compassion and understanding to Emma and Evie during their mum’s illness and after her death.

Emma in particular is looking forward to the concert as she is a member of the Gospel Choir, renowned for its dynamic performances, charged with joy, passion and energy.

Along with her sister, Emma has organised a number of events in aid of Cancer Focus NI, raising several thousand pounds for the organisation as their way of giving something back to the charity which provided key support at a particularly challenging time in their lives. 

The forthcoming concert is also being supported by Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairwoman, Roisin Mulgrew, who was pleased to meet the Downpatrick sisters recently to learn more about their mum and endorse the fundraiser.

Emma and Evie say they are delighted to organise the concert in memory of their mum whom they miss so much. The sisters say while Lorna may not be here anymore, she lives on in their hearts and those whose lives she touched through her working life and her many close friends.

“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,” said Emma.

“We never imagined the concert would generate so much interest in the community and the array of raffle prizes is amazing. The final touches are now being put to the event and we hope people will come along for what will be a fabulous night.”

Evie is equally impressed with the support of so many people and is pleased with the momentum the concert is generating.

“The concert is about remembering mum and raising money for Cancer Focus which has been so helpful to Emma and I. It is a great organisation which does so much work in many areas, not least, the fabulous family support programme,” she said.

On the night of the concert, Down Hockey Club’s Malone Park ground located opposite the Cricket Club will be available for parking, while concert tickets, priced £10, are available from David Telford (07779 054029), Emma Telford (07528 019967) and at Down Recorder reception. 

They can also be purchased online via the Cancer Focus website or contact charity representative Barbara Long, telephone (028) 9066 3281, email barbaralong@cancerfocusni.org.