Toni Bailes, Chairperson, handing over a cheque for £91,934.68 to Grace Stewart, Acting Director NI Children’s Hospice.
The Ballymena NI Hospice Support Group held a celebration event to thank everyone who helped raise an incredible £91,984.68 for NI Children’s Hospice through the Christmas campaign 'Jingle All the Way'.
Schools, churches, businesses, organisations, and individuals across the community held events to support the hospice’s services, which include nursing care at home, supported breaks, end-of-life care, and family bereavement support.
Toni Bailes, Chairperson of the Ballymena NI Hospice Support Group, welcomed everyone to the celebration event which was hosted on Monday 11th March in the beautiful Tullyglass House Hotel, and thanked owner Gus McConville for once again providing the venue and his continued support.
Toni expressed her gratitude to everyone involved and highlighted the ongoing support from the families of life-limited children, including those parents who "continue to fundraise after losing their precious children".
Members of Ballymena NI Hospice Support Group
Malcolm McBride with son Sam McBride chat to Stewart McDonald, Ahoghill Thistle Football Club who raise funds for NICH at their Annual Gala Ball.
Continuing, Toni said:
"Across the community, support for the Ballymena Jingle all the Way Christmas Campaign has increased year on year since 2017, with in excess of £400k being raised.
"This year over 40 fundraising events were held by our supporters and we are so grateful for each one small or large. Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice only receives approximately 30% of the needed funding from Department of Health, and depends on the generosity of the people of Northern Ireland to keep the doors open."
Those attending were entertained by the Ballymena Academy Senior String Orchestra led by Mrs Rebekah Durlston and heard from staff of Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and local fundraisers.
In attendance was Jackie Fullerton MBE who has recently been appointed an Ambassador for NI Children’s Hospice.
Jackie Fullerton MBE Ambassador for NI Children’s Hospice, and Mrs Rebekah Durlston, Ballymena Academy Senior String Orchestra Musical Director.
Muriel Barr, Secretary of the Ballymena Support Group, thanked Jackie for all his support since Jingle all the Way launched in 2017. She said:
“Jackie has given his time, support, expertise and professionalism at many of our events and the Support Group are delighted that he has been honoured in this way”.
Grace Stewart, Acting Director of Care and Quality (Children’s) presented Jackie with his Ambassadors badge and thanked him for his support both locally and at the NI Hospice Headquarters.
If you're interested in joining the Ballymena NI Hospice Support Group or fundraising for the NI Children's Hospice, you can contact them through their Facebook pages: Jingle All the Way - Ballymena and Ballymena NI Hospice Support Group.