The final count is in and the friends and family of Grange man, Pat Toal can now officially announce they have raised more than £19,000 for charity in his memory.
Pat’s nearest and dearest came together on what would have been his 88th birthday – August 7 – to complete a mammoth 24-hour spinathon for a cause very close to their hearts.
The “gentle giant” passed away on August 25, 2025 in Hamilton Court Care Home. On that sad day, he was surrounded by his family, wrapped in a loving embrace by those who called him their “hero”.
Related: Family of Grange’s ‘gentle giant’ Pat Toal to host 24-hour spinathon!
His death devastated them. But their heartbreak tragically began a few years earlier when Pat was diagnosed with dementia.
Said his daughter, Mary: “From that moment on, we lost a little piece of him every day”.
To his family, it “only feels right” that they hosted their challenge to the benefit of Dementia NI – a unique member-led charity, formed in 2015 by five individuals with a diagnosis of dementia.
Dementia NI are a local organisation dedicated to empowering people with a diagnosis to live well, and drive positive change in dementia services and policy.
His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren spun the legs off themselves from 8.30pm on August 7, at St Colmcille’s GFC, Grange for 24 hours solid!
And their tremendous efforts paid off. The official count has now taken place and the team have raised £19, 350 for Dementia NI with the help of a raffle and JustGiving page.
The team gave thanks to “each and every business and anyone who made donations or called in to cheer on the cyclists” and for the incredible generosity of their local community.
