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Local charity group celebrates three successful decades

�300,000 RAISED FOR LEUKAEMIA RESEARCH
by Mary Magee

NI Leukaemia Research Fund Lisburn Branch committee members presenting a cheque for �20,000 to Professor Terry Lappin. Group includes Mrs Gretta Clarke and Mrs Lovina Russell. US1008-352DW

NI Leukaemia Research Fund Lisburn Branch committee members presenting a cheque for �20,000 to Professor Terry Lappin. Group includes Mrs Gretta Clarke and Mrs Lovina Russell. US1008-352DW


AN amazing �300,000 has been raised in the past three decades by the Lisburn branch of Leukaemia Research Fund who is celebrating its 30th birthday this year.

A cheque for �200,000 was handed over to Professor Terry Lappin, a specialist in haematology, by the local members at Lagan Valley Hospital on Monday night.

The group was formed in 1978 by the late Iris McCall, whose young niece Gail suffered from the blood condition. Then the group was made up of 11 members, five of which are still serving members. As well as raising f300,000 they have also raised �4,000 for the Sir Malcolm Sargent House appeal, and �2000 for Ian Bothams Hannibal Walk and equipment for the Research Team at the City Hospital.

Mrs Irene Richer, former President, paid tribute to all those who has helped the group in the past three decades.

"We thank everyone who has supported or assisted us in any way over the years," she said. "There have been many highlights over 30 years and some very enjoyable times but nothing compares to the fact that the little girl (Gail) who was diagnosed in 1978 is now a wife and mother of three children. This is what makes our fundraising efforts so important and worthwhile."

On Monday night, Prof Lappin spoke of the cancer research and cell biology at the Belfast City Hospital and the work which is carried out by a team of very enthusiastic people whose mission it is to develop new avenues for the prevention diagnoses and treatment of cancer.

The Northern Ireland Leukaemia Research was established in 1964. The Lisburn branch was established in 1978 and has contributed enormously to the funding for research into leukaemia in Queen's University, Belfast and at the University of Ulster.

Ulster Star
14/03/2008