We catch up with Geraldine Corrigan, who is the Chair of the Friends of the Cancer Centre Fermanagh Fundraising Group.

Geraldine was named as the 2024 Charity Champion at The Impartial Reporter Community Champion Awards, in association with Encirc, earlier this year and she answered a few questions about what she thought of 2024, to date.

Looking back on the last year, what moments stand out to you, and why?

This year has had its highs and lows. One of the high points was when I was nominated for the Impartial Reporter Charity Champion Award in May, and was delighted to win at the ceremony in the Lough Erne Resort in June. 

Having been a volunteer for Friends of the Cancer Centre Fermanagh Fundraising Group for 18 years, it was a privilege for our group to be recognised and celebrated for their commitment to a great cause.

I am delighted and so proud that, with the support from the local community here in Fermanagh, we have been aiming to raise £1million pounds for the charity by the end of 2024, and we continue to find our fundraising work hugely rewarding.

How will you celebrate Christmas?

Just as it did for my late mother, Christmas begins for me at the end of November when I steep fruit for the Christmas puddings I make for family and friends.

Carrying on her tradition, even though my children are now adults, they still stir the mixture and make a wish.

I always look forward to the carol service and Christmas Eve Mass in St. Michael’s Church, and the rest of the season is spent relaxing - and eating - with family and friends and enjoying life at a slower pace.

Were there any challenges or surprises this year that taught you something valuable or shifted your perspective?

I lost two important women in my life this year: my late aunt, Sister Teresa McCusker in May, and my mother-in-law, Lena, in August.

It was sad to witness their declining health, and they have both left a huge void in my family’s life.

It was, however, humbling to see the dedication and care they received in their final weeks, especially the compassionate care shown to my mother-in-law by the staff at Ward 6 of the South West Acute Hospital.

Witnessing their selflessness and love towards all patients reminded me of how much I have to be thankful for, and that nothing should be taken for granted in life.

What hopes or intentions are you carrying forward into the new year? Do you have any resolutions or exciting plans?

Apart from carrying on the work of Friends of the Cancer Centre here in Fermanagh, I am looking forward to a happy and peaceful new year spent with family.

Who knows what 2025 will bring!