Cancer survivor organising special event for support charities

A LOCAL family will be raising vital funds for Care for Cancer and Dementia NI by hosting a dance and raffle – the ‘Midsummer Hooley’ – at Canavan’s in Garvaghy next month.

The event is being organised by Claire McGaughey, originally from Dromore, and her family who have experienced the impact of both cancer and Alzheimer’s within their own circle. The dance and raffle will take place on Friday, June 21, with tickets available through Eventbrite, Care for Cancer and Canavan’s or at the door on the night.

Speaking to the Ulster Herald, Claire McGaughey described her personal journey with cancer.

Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia at just 17-years-old, she received a bone marrow transplant in 1986 and chemotherapy in 1985.

After many cancer-free years, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, requiring further surgery and chemotherapy, followed by preventative surgery in 2016.

Claire said the support she received from Care for Cancer during her second diagnosis was invaluable.

“It was following the cancer I was diagnosed with in 2015 that I reached out to Care for Cancer in Omagh, and their support has been invaluable ever since,” she said.

“My family fundraised 40 years ago for the cancer ward in the RVH, but I just want to celebrate 40 years of survival by giving something back to our local community.”

Care for Cancer, based in Omagh, offers information, advice, and practical support to individuals and families affected by cancer. The organisation relies largely on community donations and grant funding.

The McGaugheys decided to split the proceeds from the ‘Midsummer Hooley’ between Care for Cancer and Dementia NI after a family member was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“A close family member has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s within the past couple of years, and we have decided to combine the fundraiser for Care for Cancer and Dementia NI,” said Claire.

“These organisations are lifelines for countless families, but they struggle for funding.”

Karen Kerr, head of Engagement at Dementia NI, said, “Support from local communities across Northern Ireland plays a vital role in helping Dementia NI expand its reach and develop innovative programmes that challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion.

“We want to thank Claire for choosing to support our work through her Dance and Raffle Fundraiser at Canavan’s on Saturday, June 21.”

l Tickets are available for the dance on June 21 in Canavans at Care for Cancer Omagh, online at Eventbrite or pay at the door.