Sean reflects on his fundraising for Chest, Heart and Stroke

BEGINNING as a modest funday, ‘Hooley at the Lough’ has grown to become a much-anticipated charity event in Mid Ulster and the county, having raised an upward of 50k in its time in existence.

The brains behind the event was none other than Sean Patterson, who is also the founder of ‘Friends of Chest, Heart and Stroke’ – and both affairs have one very important common ground: They raise much-needed funds for NI Chest, Heart and Stroke every year.

Speaking to the Tyrone Herald, Sean was keen to reflect on how he came to be involved with NI Chest, Heart and Stroke all of those years ago.

“I came to be involved with NI Chest, Heart and Stroke for personal reasons – through family bereavement – and I also suffered with heart trouble,” he began.

“Around nine or ten years ago, I went into heart failure; I just wasn’t looking after myself. My wife passed away, and I was looking for answers, and looked for answers in the wrong places.

“So, the charity to me is very personal, and I think it’s important to give something back because you can’t keep taking – you need to help these charities in return,” he explained.

FRIENDS OF CHEST HEART AND STROKE

Sean’s reasoning for setting up the fundraising organisation is two-fold.

“We set up Friends of Chest Heart and Stroke for two main reasons, yes, to raise money, but also to make people aware to look out for their health – because a lot of people have the mind set: ‘It’ll not happen to me’ until it does,” said Sean.

“I, oftentimes, think until you or someone close to you has suffered from a heart attack or stroke it can be hard to relate,” he said.

SUCCESS

Sean commented on the growing and enduring success of Hooley at the Lough.

“Since we began ten years ago we have raised over 50k for Chest, Heart and Stroke and that’s down to the support of the community, the generosity of local businesses.

“I think it’s important to note also that the money stays local.

“90p of every pound we raise will be put straight back in to the Tyrone community,” stated Sean.

“Our contribution has helped immensely.”

Hooley at the Lough returns on May 10 for three days worth of quality community fun including a junior disco, tractor run, fight night all finished off with a family funday – not forgetting a special appearance from Jimmy Buckley.

“We just pray that the weather is good,” added Sean.