THE largest ever donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation was
handed over this week by former mayor of Lisburn, councillor
James Tinsley.
The money was raised by residents and groups
across Lisburn on behalf of Mr Tinsley, who chose the MakeA-Wish
Foundation, which grants magical wishes to children and young
people fighting life-threatening illnesses, as his Mayoral
Charity last year.
Thanking all those who had supported his
Mayoral Charity, Councillor Tinsley said: "I am overwhelmed by
how much money has been raised and by the spirit and generosity
of individuals and businesses from right across the City area
and I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks.
As a father I cannot even imagine the
difficulties that are faced by the families that Make-A-Wish
supports but I am deeply moved that this money will provide once
in a lifetime wishes and much treasured memories to young people
and their families living with so many uncertainties."
One such family to have benefited from the
Make A Wish Foundation is the Kerr Family from Moira.
Gaye Kerr wanted to thank the Mayor
personally for all his help raising funds for the Charity after
her son Brian, 6, was granted his wish to visit Euro Disney.
This adventure turned into the holiday of a lifetime for the
Kerr family, and Gaye continues to raise awareness about the
work of Make-A-Wish. "We are overwhelmed by the hard work and
continued support that Councillor Tinsley has given us over
the past year. We had hoped to raise lots of
money in the Lisburn area, but the generosity of local people
has been amazing, and we would like to thank everyone who was
involved in raising this fabulous amount for Make-A-Wish
Foundation UK," said Gaye.
Brian was on hand to help Mr Tinsley hand
over the cheque for the total of �44,059.39 to Lesley Johnston,
Northern Ireland Regional Manager of Make-A-Wish Foundation UK.
Lesley Johnston, Regional Manager NI for Make
A Wish said: "Last year we granted 36 magical wishes in Northern
Ireland, for local children like Brian, and this year we are on
target to grant 50 wishes. But we cannot do this without
wonderful fundraising activities, such as the Lisburn Half
Marathon and the Mayors Ball, which all helped to raise such a
staggering amount." If you would like to know more about
Make-A-Wish Foundation UK please contact Lesley Johnston on 9080
5580, e-mail:
nireland@makea-wish.org.uk or alternatively log onto
www.make-a-wish.org.uk.
julieann.spence@jpress.co.uk
See: Lydia's generous birthday donation
