Organisers of a Markethill cattle sale – which raised over £40,000 for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice – have seen for themselves how the money is making a difference in bringing comfort and support to young patients.
Markethill Livestock Sales hosted their big annual Christmas Show and Sale in November last.
Huge crowds turned out to show their support, an amazing response as always from the kind-hearted members of the farming community.
They came from all over and, when the counting was done, an incredible £42,190 had been raised for the NI Children’s Hospice.
Organisers have been appraised of how this money has been put to good use.
It has allowed for the purchase of new hospital beds for all 10 of the hospice rooms, in addition to four new hoists.
A ‘cool cot’ and a ‘cool bed’ have also been bought – both the first of their kind for the NI Children’s Hospice.
New trolleys have been acquired for patient movement.
And, crucially, specialist palliative care training can now be provided for one doctor and one nurse.
Amy Muldrew, who works at Markethill Livestock Sales, said they were delighted with the results.
Said Amy: “This is simply amazing and life changing for the patients at the hospice and we are so proud of our farming community for enabling the hospice to purchase these items.
“One of the hospice fundraisers who joined us on the night has sadly lost two children through life limiting illnesses.
“She remarked how being there and seeing the generosity of our customers gave her a huge lift.
“Thank-you so much to everyone who brought stock, bought stock, donated to the night and bought auction items.
“Your generosity is making a real difference to sick children in NI.”
