Friends of the Cancer Centre Fermanagh Fundraising Group acknowledged the tenacious work of its volunteers, and paid special tribute to those who have passed, during a celebratory evening to mark its ninth birthday hosted at the Horseshoe and Saddlers in Enniskillen on Tuesday, April 25.

Along with a number of local volunteers and Geraldine Corrigan, the Chairperson of the Fermanagh Fundraising Group, the evening was attended by the Friends of the Cancer Centre’s new Chief Executive Officer, Ana Wilkinson; Chairperson of the Board, Brian Cave; and Community Fundraising Officer, Sarah Wilson.

Welcoming all in attendance, Geraldine highlighted how nine years ago, the Fermanagh Fundraising Group of Friends of the Cancer Centre came to fruition thanks to the late Jim Gamble – a key supporter of the charity for more than 37 years.

She explained that she had been originally approached by Jim 17 years ago, asking her to take up a street collection in Fermanagh.

Then, nine years ago, with the aim of enlisting the help of more volunteers to create a cross-community fundraising group in the county, the first meeting of the Friends of the Cancer Centre Fermanagh Fundraising Group took place in Enniskillen Golf Club.

“Everyone who was at the first meeting are here tonight and I wish to extend a great thanks,” said Geraldine, noting that she has “no doubt that Jim is watching over us from Heaven”.

It was during this first meeting of the Fermanagh Fundraising Group that Geraldine became voluntary Chairperson – a role which she still holds today, nine years on.

“This is a wonderful group to belong to. It’s a pleasure to be a part of such great volunteers,” she added.

She explained that the group currently meets once a month at the Horseshoe and Saddlers, and along with raising a “fantastic amount of money” for the charity, they have made great friendships.

Geraldine later went on to acknowledge the great friends and volunteers who have sadly passed on during the last few years.

Alongside Jim Gamble, she paid tribute to Sadie Brown, George Young and Joe Walsh, all of whom dedicated their time abundantly to support the charity in many ways.

During the event, local volunteers Hazel Stinson and Marita McKervey spoke about their personal experiences of cancer diagnoses and shared how the work of Friends of the Cancer Centre had supported them.

“I could not thank [them] enough for the support and care,” said Hazel, who says she is now “living life to the full” after going through treatment for breast cancer.

“I am proud to be a fundraiser,” she added.

Avril Graham, a Friends of the Cancer Centre stalwart, who has volunteered with the charity for more than 30 years, also spoke during the evening and thanked everyone for their great generosity over the years.

The Fermanagh Fundraising Group held their first street collection since the start of the pandemic a few weeks ago.

Overwhelmed by the support of the local community, at the evening, Geraldine highlighted how in six hours, the group raised £2,500.

The evening continued with speeches from Ana Wilkinson, Brian Cave and Sarah Wilson, all of whom couldn’t speak highly enough of the Fermanagh Fundraising Group.

“Every member of the Board appreciates the Fermanagh Group,” said Brian fondly.

The celebratory evening concluded with the announcement of the total funds raised by volunteers in the Fermanagh area for the Friends of the Cancer Centre over the years – a staggering £913,000.