Ballyshannon’s first fundraiser for Relay for Life Donegal on Sat 28th June raised an astonishing €9,555.
The fundraising event at McGinley’s Bar was the brainchild of John McIntyre and six times cancer survivor Paul McLoone.
It all started when John was selling off scrap metal for €300 and called to Paul enquiring about a suitable cancer charity he could donate the monies to. That was on the 20th March and Paul immediately nominated Relay for Life Donegal.
On hearing of this John’s sister Bernadette thought it was a great idea, donated a further €100 and suggested the lads together with the Abbey Bay Residents should have a night in McGinley’s and raise a little bit more.
Tragically Bernadette passed away suddenly on the 10th May last so Saturday night’s event was to raise money for Relay and honour the memory of Bernadette.
“The saying that from small acorns mighty oaks grow means that impressive things can develop from humble beginnings. It’s an idiom often used to encourage people to persevere as even small efforts can lead to significant achievements” said Paul McLoone.
“I believe that Bernadette left that legacy to many of us living in the Abbey Bay area here in Ballyshannon as Saturday evening was a community effort by both neighbours and friends of the McIntyre family. We are especially indebted to John and his wife Moira who turned this event into such a tremendous success ably assisted of course by our hosts Francis and Mary from McGinleys. Relay for Life, Donegal has made a huge difference to me personally as I dealt with cancer on multiple occasions. I am particularly proud of the response of the people of Ballyshannon to our fundraising evening and I want to thank each and everyone of them for their very generous contributions to Relay.”
Seamus Devine, Chairperson for Donegal Relay for Life, who attended the event said that Relay was all about community and that he was hugely impressed by the efforts of the Abbey Bay Residents.
“Relay is about communities together to celebrate cancer survivors, remembering those that we’ve lost and standing shoulder to shoulder with those facing cancer here in Donegal,” said Seamus.
The night consisted of music by John McIntyre and his band with a bumper raffle consisting of over 20 prizes donated by the business community in Ballyshannon.
