A 12 hour darts marathon in memory of a Fermanagh woman who died following a long battle with cystic fibrosis has raised over thousands for charity.
Samantha Judge was a lively and inspiring young woman who was, in her own words, never afraid of dying but afraid of not living. After a brave fight, she passed away back in January.
At an event marking her amazing spirit last weekend many of her family and friends turned out at the An Chead Chuman pub in Newtownbutler.
The event, organised by Norman Graham, saw people of all age groups compete against one another to raise money to help those affected by cystic fibrosis.
Thomas Judge, Samantha’s uncle, had his hair and beard shaved off as people came throughout the day to offer their support to the worthy cause. A number of business and individuals donated prizes for a raffle. Throughout the event Samantha’s family raised awareness of the incurable illness which attacks the lungs and digestive system is severely life limiting.
Afterwards the 25 year old’s mother Sinead told The Impartial Reporter: “Samantha always said that not much was known about cystic fibrosis so we hope that as a result of this fundraiser in her memory more people will become aware of it and how it impacts on the lives of young people in Fermanagh and Northern Ireland.”
“One in 25 carry the gene for this disease and now through screening with the heel prick test when babies are a few weeks old more are being picked up early,” she explained.
The total raised during the darts marathon, including donations, was £3,400 while donations in lieu of flowers following Samantha’s death was £600. That means there has been a total of £4,000 raised,” said Sinead. “£3,400 will be going to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and £600 to the Royal Belfast’s cystic fibrosis unit, it’s just unreal,” she said.