ALL of the support that has been received following the sudden and untimely death on January 30, 2017, of Fermanagh teenager Kirsty Clarke is very much appreciated by her family.

The much loved, inspirational young woman was remembered on Monday evening, March 20, at a memorial service held at the former Lisnaskea High School and attended by about 160 people. It is one of a number of events taking place in memory of Kirsty, the eldest daughter of Sharon and Alan Clarke and older sister of Zara.

The family were joined by a lot of relatives at the event, which was addressed by Irwyn McKibbin, Heartbeat NI. He gave a talk about Kirsty and how they met and he spoke about the different outings the Clarke family went on with Heartbeat NI.

Kenny Donaldson and Eric Brown of SEFF also spoke about Kirsty, who had gone to America on two occasions with Project Common Bond, representing SEFF.

A DVD was shown of Kirsty – featuring pictures of her over the years from a newborn to her teens.

Lisbellaw Accordion Band played four hymns; Kirsty had been a member of the band for about two and a half years.

During the special evening, Irwyn McKibbin presented Sharon and Alan with a defibrillator for Aghavea Churchhall. (The family belong to Aghavea Parish).

Speaking after the event, Sharon admitted “it was a lovely service but very emotional.”

Arrangements are in place for a number of upcoming events and activities in memory of Kirsty - a well known and widely respected girl, who achieved much in her short life time.

Sharon pointed out that Timothy Elliott will be holding a coffee morning on April 1 at Munville House in Lisnaskea. The proceeds will be to Heartbeat NI and Marie Curie.

On April 6, she says that Felicity Humphreys, Principal of the Moat Primary School, Lisnaskea is holding an afternoon tea event at the school from 2pm to 5pm. It will be in aid of Heartbeat NI.

On May 1, two teams are doing the Belfast Relay Marathon and their chosen charities are Heartbeat NI and Diabetes UK, charities which are both dear to the Clarke family’s hearts.

Sharon mentions that she also hopes to hold a fundraiser in support of the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne, where Kirsty underwent a heart transplant in 2010. It is still in the planning stages.

She goes on to highlight that popular Country star Ritchie Remo has been booked for February 17, 2018 in the Valley Hotel. Sharon expects the event will be a fundraiser for all three causes - Heartbeat NI, Diabetes UK, and the Freeman Hospital.

Since Kirsty’s passing on January 30, it has been a difficult time for the family and Sharon says “the house is very quiet.”

For the Clarkes, the upcoming fundraisers are something for them all to focus on.

Sharon says they are thankful to the people who are organising these events.
She also spoke of her appreciation of the overwhelming support that has been received since Kirsty’s death and how it has been comforting for the family.