Cancer charity walk in memory of Caitlyn Mullan

Caitylin Mullan passed away on October 13, 2010. Her friend and classmate Aoife Murray is co-ordinating a sponsored walk for charity.

Happy memories of a vivacious and much-loved Londonderry teenager will be to the fore when her family and friends unite for a charity walk in her honour. Caitlyn Mullan, a former pupil of Lumen Christi College and daughter of Doire Colmcille U16 manager Jim Mullan, died after a brave battle with stomach cancer, at the relatively tender age of 19.

Her friend Aoife is co-ordinating the sponsored walk in memory of Caitlyn who had been due to begin a veterinary science course at Glasgow University that autumn.

The sponsored walk, due to take place on Sunday, August 26 at 1pm, will begin at Sainsbury’s car park, extending over the Peace Bridge to Ebrington Square, and concluding with a purple balloon release.

Speaking emotionally of her friend, Aoife said: “Caitlyn was such a caring and lovely girl with such a bubbly personality that stood out from the crowd, so if the walk is half as big as her personality, then I have no doubt that it will be a great day. Her family have always been so supportive of our group of friends and I’m hoping this walk will give back some of that support.”

Expressing her heartfelt gratitude for all the donations already pledged, Aoife added: “In just a week over £600 has been raised from online/offline donations. Thank you to everyone who has donated. I am so grateful and overwhelmed by the generosity of people. Money donated online is transferred expressly to Foyle Hospice. And with 80 pence of every pound donated to the Foyle Hospice being channelled towards patient care, every little really does help.

Aoife continued: “Please email me if you are interested in taking part in the walk as we need approximate numbers. Every donation no matter how big or small is all going to a great cause.”

The money raised from the sponsored walk next month will be divided equally between the Foyle Hospice and the Sperrin Unit in Altnagelvin Hospital where Caitlyn received palliative treatment.

Aoife has asked that walkers don purple-themed wear: anything from a purple wristband to a t-shirt is acceptable.

Willing sponsors can donate through JustGiving, a non-profit fundraising website dedicated to causes benefiting the infirm and ailing. The following link will provide helpful instruction:

www.justgiving.com\aoife-murray Money can also be donated on the day of the walk.

Aoife can be contacted at [email protected] for further details and to let her know if you can participate in the fundraiser in Caitlyn’s memory.