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FREEMAN HEART & LUNG TRANSPLANT ASSOCIATION REGISTERED CHARITY 700730
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Committee member Jim Carlin went across to Northern Ireland in February 2007 to accept donations on behalf of the FHLTA. Below is Jim's account of his trip:- Four days in sunny Northern Ireland We arrived in Belfast International Airport on Thursday 1st February at 1.40pm and were picked up by Eileen Duffy who took us to her home for some stew and wheaten bread (an old Irish favourite!!). Eileen's husband Seamus had his heart transplant in June 2000 but unfortunately was in hospital when we arrived as a result of a fall at his home a couple of days earlier - he just can't resist the hospital food!! We were picked up by David and Beverly Robinson at 4pm and driven to Omagh in Co. Tyrone (approx 70 miles). When we arrived in Omagh we were met by Eugene McCrystal and his wife Catherine. Eugene had fallen ill in 2003 and was taken to Belfast City Hospital from where he was referred by Dr McMahon to the Freeman in October 2004, he eventually received his transplant in March 2005. Eugene is a friendly, well known and well respected man in the local community and has been lucky to have a very supportive family of 6 children (3 boys & 3 girls) who have helped him through the difficult times during his illness. He also told us of his gratitude to all of his friends and outer family circle who had been a key part of raising the money.
Eugene explained that the family and friends had taken part in the Dublin marathon and were well sponsored to complete the gruelling 26.2 mile course. He also told us of donations from the Drumnakilly Associations who had kindly donated £500 making a total of just under £10,000 being donated to the Freeman Heart & Lung Transplant Association. A truly magnificent effort.
Eugene paid special tribute to all of the runners who took part - Catherine McCrystal, Rita McCrystal, Sean McEnhill, Paddy McEnhill, Ciara McEnhill, Mary McCrory and Gwen McNally. For our part, we would like to thank Eileen and Seamus Duffy for their hospitality in putting us up for the four days and also to David and Beverly Robinson who went out of their way to take us to Omagh, travelling a total of 180 miles to help us collect the cheque. With a tear in my eye I left Northern Ireland on Sunday to return home but I bring back very fond memories of all the warm and friendly people I met whilst I was there. I look forward to another trip to this beautiful country soon but I return home happy with a donation to the Freeman hospital that I know will be put to very good use and will help others who are fortunate enough to be treated by the wonderful people at the Freeman. Jim Carlin
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graham@fhlta.org.uk with
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