The heartbroken mother of Rebecca Haughey – the Co Armagh schoolgirl who lost her brave battle with cancer last week – has been raising money to help others in her daughter’s memory.
The Sixth Form student of St Catherine’s College in Armagh died on Thursday at the Belfast City Hospital.
The Lurgan teenager had fought a brave battle against cancer and shared her experiences and her determination to beat the disease via social media.
But her family and friends were plunged into mourning when she passed away towards the end of last week.
Rebecca was laid to rest after Requiem Mass at Patrick’s Church, Derrymacash, yesterday (Sunday).
School pals formed a guard of honour at the largely attended funeral, where mourners were led by her mum Colette and sister, Lisa.
Within hours of Rebecca’s untimely passing, her grieving mother started a justgiving page to raise money for the “wonderful charity” Clic Sargent, to which donations in lieu of flowers were also being directed.
In an emotional and poignant tribute on the fundraising page – which has already raised in excess of £1,400 – Ms Haughey spoke of Rebecca’s “strength, determination and relentless hope and positivity”, describing these traits as “infectious”.
She said: “Rebecca would want to be remembered, not as the ‘cancer patient’, she wouldn’t want sympathy, but instead would want everyone to remember her for being herself, for her personality and the love she had for her family, friends, and anyone she met.”
Ms Haughey also praised all of the charities and professionals who had rallied round the family and shown great care and compassion throughout Rebecca’s illness.
She added: “There were a lot of charities that supported us as a family over the last two years, from Friends of the Cancer Centre (Renee Reid our Clinical Nurse Specialist), Cancer Fund for Children (Lynn or Community Specialist), Boom foundation and more – from the bottom of our hearts, we can’t thank you enough.
“We want to thank CLIC Sargent in particular, who provided us with Simon Darby our Social Worker who was there from day one to support us, listen to us and help us where needed.
“They also provided me with a room in Amy’s House, the CLIC Sargent Home from Home opposite the City Hospital.
“It meant I was only ever a few minutes away from Rebecca and could cook her the food she liked whenever she wanted it. Without CLIC Sargent and the other charities, our experience would have been very different.”
Ms Haughey has urged people to donate anything they can to support the charity which supported them.
All donations made via the justgiving page will go directly to Clic Sargent and will ensure others will be helped with the charity’s support and care in their hour of need.
To make a donation in memory of Rebecca Haughey, please click the link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/inmemoryofrebecca
Picture: Rebecca Haughey. St Catherine’s College.
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