Huge turnout and over £2k raised in memory of Pat, at the Antrim Forum, where she worked for decades

RIGHT from the off, the cafe at Antrim Forum last Saturday was full to capacity to remember and raise funds to honour the late Patricia Murray.

Pat, from the Dublin Road, who passed away in the Macmillan Unit at Antrim Area Hospital in August, was a stalwart member of the team at the Forum for over three decades, warmly welcoming generations of local people at the reception desk.

Many first met her during Sportunity, and all have fond memories of her perennially sunny disposition.

Friends Angela Callan and Naomi Carey organised a fundraiser in her memory, in the workplace where she became known to hundreds of local residents.

Angela Callen and Naoimi Carey explained: “Our very dear friend Patricia Murray sadly passed away on August 6th in the MacMillan unit at AAH.

“Patricia spoke very highly of all the staff in the unit and totally appreciated the efforts they went to in order to ensure that she had everything she needed during her final weeks - including birthday celebrations for her with friends and family.

“One of Patricia’s final wishes was to ask that friends would support the Macmillan unit instead of buying flowers for her. We would like to support Patricia’s wish by having this fundraiser in her memory and all proceeds going to the Macmillan unit at Antrim Area Hospital.”

Her husband Drew, son Andrew and brothers Desy and Michael and their families, were surrounded by Pat’s friends and former work colleagues.

There were also local councillors and businesspeople in attendance.

There was a great atmosphere in the room, as many reminisced and shared their memories of Pat.

A ‘memory tree’ was adorned with photos, messages and anecdotes not only for Patricia, but for other loved ones lost by those who turned up to support the event.

A ‘memory book’ was also filled with messages and tributes to Pat.

Organisers Angela and Naomi have passed their thanks to all those who supported the event and who donated so generously.

A fantastic team of volunteers helped set up and clean up, served refreshments, looked after the memory tree and book and sold raffle tickets.

Special thanks was made to Jarlath Storrie at Judes Estate Coffee, who supplied the hot drinks and to Andrew Nelson of Nelson’ Bakery who supplied and delivered - and even buttered - the scones.

Alan McCausland from Antrim Forum was also thanked for all his work in the background before the event and on the day, and there was also praise for Toni and staff at the Forum, who went above and beyond to ensure that the facilities were perfect to host the day.

Clare Farrell has also been thanked for all the effort she put in to secure so many brilliant raffle prizes.

Angela and Naomi said: “We would also like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge all the businesses and individuals who contributed goods and prizes, without whom the event would not have been so successful.

“Thanks to Anita Health and Neauty, Marie Ashmore, Lynn Ashe of the Corner Stores, Apperly’s Butchers, Brian Heffron at Barney’s, Dundadry Hotel, The Essence Vault, Gold Nation at The Junction, Hair Infinity, V Houston, Hallmark at The Junction, Jake’s Cocktail Bar, Judes Estate Coffee, Laragh Lodge, Marquess Meats, Kenin McCauley, McCormacks Butchers, Menary’s at The Junction, Next, Nelson’s Bakery, Synge & Byrne, Tesco, 4Men Turkish Barbers, Mol Walker Brows, Marbeth Wilson, Wallace’s, Wholesome NI, Yet Tree Butchers and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, especially Councillor Neil Kelly for securing the venue on our behalf.

“We also want to thank the Macmillan Team for all the bunting, buckets and support on the day.

“The total amount raised was £2233.82, which will be shared between the Northern Trust’s Macmillan Unit at Antrim Area Hospital and Macmillan Cancer Support.”