A fundraising group in Fermanagh, started over 30 years ago has raised over £870,000 to support local families impacted by cancer.

Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Fermanagh Fundraising Group was started by Jim Gamble and Avril Graham to help raise vital funds for cancer patients and their families and raise awareness of Friends of the Cancer Centre.

More volunteers

Then, in 2014, Jim and Avril helped to form the Fermanagh Fundraising Group by engaging more volunteers from the local community across County Fermanagh to get involved.

Over the last eight years, volunteers have worked to raise both funds and awareness of the charity.

The group’s activities know no bounds and from quiz nights and music nights, to climbs and skydives, tractor runs and street collections, you name it, they’ve done it – all in the name of charity.

Geraldine Corrigan, Chairperson for the Fermanagh Fundraising Group, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have raised such an incredible sum of money for Friends of the Cancer Centre, which is a cause close to the hearts of many people in Fermanagh.

“ Reaching this milestone has only been possible thanks to the generosity of the local community and we sincerely thank everyone who has supported the group over the years.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Jim and Avril, who were instrumental in setting up the group.

“In recognition of their extraordinary efforts, they were awarded the Point of Light award in 2016 by the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, and a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours in 2017.

“More recently, the local community rallied their support during Covid-19 to hold an online fundraiser, raising over £3,500 in memory of Jim’s son, Neville, who passed away in 2019. Following a recent cancer diagnosis himself, Jim is continuing his support for Friends of the Cancer Centre and we are grateful for everything he continues to do for the charity.

“We are really proud that so many local patients and their families receive care and support, thanks to the generosity of the local community here in County Fermanagh.”

Raising awareness of work

The Fermanagh Fundraising group was involved with the Jubilee Celebrations in Enniskillen on Thursday evening at the service of Thanksgiving at St Macartin’s Cathedral at 8.30pm, followed by a tribute to Her Majesty by more than 100 pipers and musicians from 19 local pipe bands in advance of the beacons being lit at 9.45pm.

On Saturday at the Wellington Road Car Park, The Beating Retreat took place with bands parading from Enniskillen Castle.

Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Fermanagh Group was there among the action to raise awareness and funds for the charity and welcomed the local community’s support where possible.

In addition, the local group will be holding a family friendly fundraising walk in August in Castle Coole and an information evening in October.

For more information, or if you want get involved, please visit www.friendsofthecancercentre.com or contact Sarah at Friends of the Cancer Centre on (028) 9069 9393.