Press Release

Le Eithne Children’s Charity Event Hailed A Success

Monday, 19 December 2005

The charity event on board LE Eithne at the weekend, which saw sick children and their families enjoying a Christmas event on board the Irish naval vessel as it berthed at Queen’s Quay, has been hailed a tremendous success by the Mayor, Cllr Lynn Fleming and Commander Mark Mellett.

The unique cross border event was held on Saturday in order to raise awareness of two well deserving charities - the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children and Our Lady’s Children Hospital, Crumlin in Dublin and to provide an opportunity for them to establish contacts and to network on a North-South basis.

The Mayor, Cllr Lynn Fleming said she was overwhelmed by the event and the courage and determination shown by the children and their families who visited the ship.

“These children are an inspiration to us all and I am delighted the event was such a success for everyone. I would like to thank Commander Mark Mellett and his crew for allowing us to host this fantastic event on board the LE Eithne, it was indeed a great occasion for everyone involved. The ship provided a unique venue for the children to have a day out and also, to meet Santa. I would also like to acknowledge the support we received from the local business community, who made donations, including Doherty’s Meats, M&S and Sainsbury’s, and to everyone who made this event possible,” she said.

Commander Mark Mellett spoke of his delight at being twinned with our Lady’s Children’s Hospital and of hosting the event with the Mayor and her chosen charity, the Northern Ireland Children’s Cancer Fund.

“LE Eithne has become a home for the children of Our Lady’s over the past year and the hospital a home for us. Together with their families they have been welcome to visit us whenever and wherever we are in port and in the course of our recent visits to Derry they have done just that. This weekend we had 40 children who are being supported by the NI Cancer Fund for Children as well as some of our friends from Our Lady’s.

“We have been overwhelmed by the dignity and courage displayed by the children and we are delighted to have pursued this joint initiative with the Mayor and helped raise awareness of the two charities. The bottom line arising from this venture is not just increased awareness but a collaboration that is more than the sum of our efforts, a collaboration that can only lead to one outcome – children getting better,” he added.

Note for Editor:

The LE Eithne will stay in Derry until 8.00pm this evening (Monday) when it will depart for their return journey to Cork. A number of schools will visit the ship this morning including Foyle View Special School and Holybush Primary School.
Further press information can be obtained by contacting the Marketing and Communications Section, Level 5. Tel. 028 7137 6504.

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