Voices raised for Caroline

THERE were more than 50 events held across County Wicklow last weekend as part of the ‘Give Us a Song’ campaign in aid of the Caroline Foundation.

The weekend was a great success, with 22 counties taking part in fundraising on and around World Cancer Day.

Events in Wicklow included house parties, concerts, singing lessons, and more.

The whole fund-raiser went so well that it is now an annual event, according to chairperson of the Caroline Foundation, Helen O’Sullivan-Dwyer.

‘People really enjoyed the singing and had such a great time that many signed up to take part in it next year,’ said Helen.

Clubs and churches held fundraising events, such as concerts in Roundwood and Greystones, choirs in Bray, folk groups elsewhere and many more.

Everything raised is for the Caroline Foundation, a constituent of the Cancer Clinical Research Trust, established to fund scientists in cancer research.

Helen said that ‘Give Us a Song’ is run on an entirely voluntary basis. She was delighted with the turnout and is very pleased that everything went so well.

The Caroline Foundation was established in 2013 after the 35-year-old Greystones native and former primary school teacher died following a nine year battle with cancer.

Trish O’Brien, Terese Stockwell, Gaye Griffin, Helen Carroll, Martina Cleary, Sinead McCarthy and Teresa Burke from Serendipity Choir in the Holy Redeemer.

Tony Penston, David Gallagher, Deirdre Byrne and Patricia Penston at the Hotspot in Greystones.

Tony Penston and his grandchildren Tomás and Caoimhe O’Neill in the Hotspot in Greystones.

Brian Whlean and Mick Heffernan at the Hotspot in Greystones.

Sean Ó hEarcáin and Anne Waldek at the Hotspot in Greystones.