A walk in memory of popular Fermanagh Health Visitor Marian Doherty, who ‘touched the lives and hearts of a lot of people,’ will be set in motion in Enniskillen on April 5, 2014.

The upcoming event is being organised by close friends, including a number of work colleagues of Marian’s, as a fundraising initiative for Cancer Connect NI. Contributions will also be made to the Paediatric Diabetes Fund at South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, and to Mullaghdun Community Association in tribute to Marian, a people person, who passed away in December last year, after a lengthy illness, courageously borne.

Fellow Health Visitor, Joanne Armstrong, one of the walk organisers, speaking this week, pointed out that Cancer Connect NI allowed Marian to have more comfort in her own home in the final weeks of her illness.

She said that “Marian had worked in the field of Diabetes for 26 years”. She also highlighted that Mullaghdun was Marian’s local community in which she had been very much involved.

“We just felt that Marian had given so much through her work and to the whole community that we wanted to give something back in her memory,” indicated Joanne, adding that they believed a walk was a good way to get everyone involved.

They chose Castle Coole, Enniskillen, as a local venue and Joanne says hopefully “plenty of people will avail of the opportunity to come out and walk” with them.

A much-loved family member, as well as being a valued member of the community, Marian worked in the nursing profession for over 40 years.

Having qualified in midwifery, she returned to university to qualify as Health Visitor, and she was also a Diabetic Nurse, and her work took her county wide.

The Rev. Seamus Quinn, speaking at Marian’s Funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, Mullaghdun, in December, described Marian as ‘an upbeat’ person. “She didn’t believe in dwelling on negativity,” he said, adding: “She wanted life to be a cheerful, positive experience.” Joanne Armstrong, a close colleague in the Health Visiting Team, who also gave a tribute to Marian at her Funeral Mass, feels the walk is ‘really positive’ and it is really about supporting Cancer Connect NI, a local organisation, which Joanne believes provides ‘a great service for local people.’ Those who are interested in taking part in the walk at Castle Coole, which starts at 12 noon on April 5, and require sponsor sheets can contact Joanne on 07754773255, Bernie Mullally on 07775666384 or Jenny Humphreys on 07810200428.

People can also come along on the day and register for the walk. “It will be £5 to register,” explained Joanne, who also points out that donations in relation to the activity can be directed to Cancer Connect NI. She is hoping for a lot of support and mentions that tea and refreshments will be provided at Castle Coole following the walk.