Steak night raises thousands of pounds for Penny

A YOUNG Antrim woman has spearheaded yet another charity drive, helping to raise thousands for little girl needing pioneering medical treatment.

Bethany Park has already helped raise awareness and has raised funds to support organ donation in support of her brother, Kyle.

The Park family live on a farm in Parkgate outside Antrim and Kyle is 32 years of age with moderate learning difficulties.

Big-hearted Bethany is also supportting Parkhall Integrated College teachers Heather and Iain Cunningham, who’s daughter Penny needs special therapy in the USA.

Aged just two, after a virus, Penny sadly lost her mobility and speech.

In 2022, she was diagnosed with Cerebral Vision Impairment (CVI), affecting how her brain processes visual information.

In 2023, she received a very rare diagnosis — Marbach-Schaaf Neurodevelopmental Syndrome (MASNS) — which impacts movement, coordination, and communication.

Penny’s yearly therapy costs around £15,000. Funds raised will support private physio and occupational therapy and two therapy intensives in 2026, including treatment in American.

The most recent fundraiser was a steak night and raffle at Ballymena Livestock Market.

Speaking after the event, Bethany said: “Together, we raised an incredible amount of over £10,000 over the past few weeks, this fundraising will continue onto my next event.

“I’d like to express my heartfelt appreciation not only to everyone who attended but also to the generous sponsors who helped make the event possible.

“A huge thank you to: Irene Parker A. Farlow Engineering Ltd Daren Russell JRC Cars Kennedy Wolfenden Antique Shop John McCallister from Lakeview Meats Your support meant the world .

“I also want to thank all the local businesses and family friends who contributed so generously to the auction and raffle. There were too many to name individually, but please know how grateful we are for each and every donation.

“A very special thank you goes to Irene Parker. Your incredible effort made a huge difference — selling over 30 tickets and gathering so many of the auction and raffle prizes. I truly couldn’t have done it without you.

“Thank you so much. A big thank you as well to Roberta and the staff at the Ringside Café for putting on such a fantastic meal. No one left hungry, and everyone was full of praise — your hard work and hospitality were so appreciated.

“Thank you to everyone who helped us set up and to all those who supported us throughout the night — whether it was selling raffle tickets, clearing tables, or helping behind the scenes.

“Your efforts didn’t go unnoticed and meant so much. To my sister Christine and her husband David — thank you for selling numbers for the Ballymena United signed shirt, so kindly donated by the team.

“To my brother David — thank you for selling Steak Night tickets and helping Mum collect auction prizes.

“To Justin — thank you for your incredible support over the last few weeks and for doing your best to keep me stress-free! Thank you also for selling tickets and helping Mum gather auction and raffle prizes.

“To Rodney — your brilliant auctioneering really topped off the night. You helped raise a fantastic amount for Penny, and we’re so grateful. And of course, a massive shoutout to Harry — if anyone ever needs someone to help collect for charity, he’s your guy!

“With the help of Christopher, Amelia, and Elisha, he raised an amazing amount by going around the cattle markets. Well done to the whole team!

“Finally — and most importantly — to my mum, Joy. I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without you during these last few weeks of planning. Your guidance, support, and love kept me going.

“You’ve truly been my rock — thank you so much. To every single person who helped, donated, supported, or attended — thank you. The steak night was a success because of you.

“ A special thanks goes to all the businesses, families, and individuals who generously contributed towards our auction at Penny’s Steak Night last night. Your incredible support and donations made the evening a great success — it simply wouldn’t have been possible without you!”