Strabane siblings raise £10,000 in memory of their beloved sister

ON Sunday, the finish line of the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon marked more than just the end of 13.1 miles for Patrick Burns and Teresa Burns. It marked the culmination of a powerful tribute to their beloved sister, Oonagh Burns, and a deeply personal journey of love and hope.

“This journey began in memory of our beloved sister Oonagh Burns, who tragically lost her life in April 2024,” said Patrick.

“Oonagh worked at Three Rivers Care Home in Omagh, devoted to supporting those living with dementia. It felt only right that we run in her honour – not just for her memory, but for the cause she cared so deeply about: raising funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society.”

Patrick and Teresa’s tribute quickly grew into a community-wide campaign.

“What started out as a personal tribute quickly grew into something much bigger than we could have imagined,” Patrick continued.

“Thanks to your incredible kindness and generosity, together we raised over £10,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. We are honestly blown away.”

The final total reached a remarkable £10,855, with every donation supporting a cause that was close to Oonagh’s heart.

“Every single donation has made a real difference,” Patrick continued. “In Northern Ireland alone, over 22,000 people are living with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society is working to make sure none of them must face it alone, providing local support services, peer groups, dementia awareness sessions, and expert advice through their Dementia Support Line. They’re also funding research to improve care, better understand the condition, and one day, hopefully find a cure. Knowing that Oonagh’s name is now part of that mission means the world to us.”

Their journey was also made possible by a supportive network of people behind the scenes.

“We’ve been so lucky along the way to have some brilliant people in our corner,” Patrick said. “The team at Lifford/Strabane AC – Brendan, Laurence, and Eddie – took two beginners and gave us the confidence to take on 13.1 miles.

“A special thank you to Michelle McDaid, Teresa’s friend and personal trainer who ran each step of the marathon with us, who was a huge help behind the scenes with training tips, running and food plans that kept us going right through to race day. And to Paul Cooke, who kept our legs moving with deep tissue massages and made sure we understood our bodies better through all the knocks and niggles…

“And a big thank you to Aimee Foley, our Regional Fundraiser at the Alzheimer’s Society, for all her guidance and encouragement throughout this journey – your support meant so much.”

Patrick reserved his most heartfelt words for his sister Teresa, who shared every step.

“And finally – one last thanks you, maybe the most important one of all – to Teresa. Thank you for sharing this journey with me, just the two of us. I’ll never forget it.”

Though the fundraising trainers may be hung up for now, the running shoes are staying on.

“We’ve already signed up for the Derry Waterside Half Marathon on September 7, and we’d love to see some familiar faces there,” Patrick added. “If Oonagh’s story – and ours – has touched you in any way, we hope it gives you the confidence and courage to start your own fundraiser, for whatever cause is close to your heart. Everyone has a story. And we all need help sometimes.”

Aimee Foley, Regional Fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society, praised the family’s dedication.

She said, “We are incredibly grateful to Patrick, Teresa, the Burns family, and everyone who supported this inspiring journey. The generosity shown both in donations and in spirit, was truly overwhelming. A phenomenal total of £10,855 was raised in memory of their beloved sister; an amazing tribute and a powerful way to honour her life.

“It was a true pleasure to support Patrick and Teresa throughout their fundraising journey, and such a blessing to be chosen as the charity so close to their hearts. Their dedication and determination were inspiring every step of the way.”

“At the Alzheimer’s Society, we are help and hope for everyone living with dementia. We’re committed to funding vital research, delivering essential support services, and campaigning for the rights of those affected. None of this would be possible without the heartfelt support of families like the Burns, whose compassion and commitment help drive our mission forward. We extend our deepest thanks to everyone involved – your efforts are making a real and lasting difference.”