Gala Ball

COLERAINE FC would like to congratulate Board of Director, Richard McFetridge and his family, for a recent event that raised over £40,000 for charity…

Manager and Auctioneer at Wilsons Auctions, Richard McFetridge and family announced that with generous donations and the roaring success of their NI Pancreatic Cancer Gala Ball, over £40,000 has been raised for NI Pancreatic Cancer.

In loving memory of Torrens McFetridge, who passed away on May 3 last year after a short illness with pancreatic cancer, the McFetridge family organised the Charity Gala Ball that took place on Saturday, April 15 at The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine. Over 300 people attended the sold-out event.

The tragic loss of Torrens to pancreatic cancer in May 2022 left his family and friends devastated. The diagnosis came out of the blue and despite the best efforts of medical and nursing staff in both Causeway and Belfast City Hospitals, Torrens passed away just six weeks later.

NI Pancreatic Cancer is a Northern Ireland charity working to improve the outcomes of pancreatic cancer by raising public awareness of this ‘silent killer’ and funding vital research.

Torrens’s son Richard, auctioneer for the evening commented, “We as a family have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support from so many businesses, private individuals, family and friends.

“Every item was generously donated for the auction and silent raffle. The highlight of the auction was a weekend break to New York realising £3700.

“Our auction total for all 25 lots on the night was £17,270, with a further £4,500 raised at the raffle”.

“The funds raised will contribute to vital research into pancreatic cancer and provide support to those affected by this devastating disease.

“The family wish to thank everyone who so generously supported them in their fundraising efforts and also thank the Lodge Hotel for all their hard work in making the evening such a success.”