Gerry Lawn memorial walk raised £7000 for Children's cancer fund

Collectively the group raised 7,266.50 from a 10km walk around the Ballymena town boundary in aid of Shimna Valley House in Newcastle, County Down, a home from home facility provided by the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.

The driving force behind the endeavour was Stephen Reynolds, proprietor of the Front Page Bar, who wanted to organise an event which would make a difference to local families’ lives in memory of his friend Gerry Lawn.

Stephen said: "Gerry was a good friend of mine and sadly he lost his fight against cancer on the May 26, 2009 aged 57 years."

A native of Ballyshannon, Gerry came to Ballymena with his wife Mary and family to take up the post as manager of the local Bank of Ireland branch in 1989.

During his 20 years in Ballymena, Gerry, supported by his wife and family, played an active role in the community affairs of the Borough, with a particular emphasis on the youth of the area.

"With this in mind I wanted to dedicate this year’s “Making A Difference Event” in aid of Shimna Valley to the memory of the late Gerry Lawn," Stephen added.

With the support of Gerry's wife, Mary, and her family and friends, colleagues from Bank of Ireland and many of the Front Page regulars embarked on a 10 KM walk around Ballymena boundary in October 2009. In total over 70 walkers completed the route within one and a half hours.

Stephen Reynolds, his wife Marie and Mary Lawn recently visited Shimna Valley House in Newcastle Co. Down and were welcomed by Patricia Kidd, Manager at Shimna Valley Complex and given a tour of the entire facility.

Patricia went on to detail the role of Shimna Valley House as a retreat for children, young people and their families living with cancer. During the visit, the group presented Patricia with a cheque for 7,266.50 on behalf of the Staff and Patrons of the Front Page Bar.... and in memory of their good friend Gerry Lawn.

"Marie and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the "Front Page Making a Difference Event" in any way," Stephen added.

Every week in Northern Ireland another two families receive the news that their child has been diagnosed with cancer. NICFC helps hundreds of children and families cope with the devastating effects of a childhood cancer diagnosis. We support every family member so that they in turn can support each other.

Vital services include qualified youth and family support, residential and social weekends for children, grants to ease the financial burden of looking after a sick child – Home Heating and our Road Miles Scheme, as well as the provision of holidays for the whole family in Newcastle and Coleraine.

For further information about the work of the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children please call 028 9080 5599 or log onto www.nicfc.com