Families’ donation puts Scanner Appeal above the £1million mark

Fiona Connolly and Donna Magill handed over a cheque for almost £4000 last Tuesday night and were then told that the donation would almost certainly tip the balance over £1m. - halfway towards the projected target.

Mr. Nigel Kearney, from the MRI Scanner Appeal Team, revealed that they were now well on their way to purchasing the Scanner for the Royal Belfast Hospital for sick children.

He said: “This contribution of £3710 is marvellous and as far as I am aware will put us over the £1m. mark.

“The Belfast hospital is the only Children’s unit that doesn’t have a Scanner so we want to make the public aware of the great need for one.”

Mr. Kearney was at the Corner House Bar to receive a cheque from Fiona and Donna with the assistance of the pub’s proprietor, Tony O’Hanlon, who lent his support to the fund-raising dance which raised the money.

Mr. O’Hanlon along with Fiona and Donna were behind the dance on January 21 at the Community Centre in the village in which the community rallied round the cause.

Justin McGurk provided the music and a good night was had by all. A better night was had when the organisers totted up the contributions.

Fiona explained that the idea for the dance came about after her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. She then did a fun run, but selflessly decided to donate any money towards helping sick children, hence the RBH appeal.

“We were more than pleased with the outcome of the dance and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped us make the night such a success.”

Mr. Kearney commended all for their efforts and even handed over a suit to Tony which he donned for the picture, but when a customer caught sight of him in his unusual garb, there were some good humoured exchanges!