A Co Down woman has handed over thousands of pounds to support the vital work of PIPS Hope and Support in memory of her best fiend.
Leon Fitzpatrick presented Padraig Harte, PIPS Hope and Support Fundraising Coordinator, with a cheque for a superb £5,839.
The money was raised from a range of initiatives to mark what would have been her friend and relation Róisín Musseen’s 40th Birthday.
These include a quiz night in the Canal Court Hotel in Newry, an auction the same night, a donation page and a raffle with many different prizes and gifts donated by family members, friends and local businesses.
Leon wanted to do something to mark what would have been Róisín’s birthday and decided raising funds in her memory was the best thing to do which in the long term would support the most vulnerable in the local area.
She said: “I decided with the support of Róisín’s family and friends to hold a fundraiser in her memory. I was delighted to see so many people in attendance and supportive of the events to remember Róisín as well as raising vital funds and awareness for PIPS Hope and Support in her memory.
“Róisín’s family and I would like to thank all of our family and friends, businesses and individuals who donated prizes, gifts and funds to this worthwhile cause.
“Your generosity has been much appreciated and greatly received and recognised by all, and we are grateful for the support. Róisín would have been so proud.”
Padraig Harte, PIPS Hope and Support Fundraising Coordinator, thanked Leon, the Mussen family, Róisín’s friends and everyone involved who supported their fundraising initiatives.
He said: “PIPS Hope and Support wish to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to Leon, to the Mussen family and all of Róisín’s friends for all their support and for raising this fantastic amount to remember and in honour of Róisín’s 40th.
“We simply couldn’t deliver the much-needed help and support services we provide to our community without the amazing efforts of our supporters like Leon and her family.
“The funds raised will provide resources to benefit and support vulnerable people within our community, helping them address issues affecting their quality of life as well as providing education programmes to people on how they can help reduce the risk of suicide in our greater community.”