Una’s big evening brings in thousands
THE legacy of an inspirational Hesketh Bank woman lives on a year after she died of liver cancer.
Úna McBride won a courage award last year when she organised a huge charity fundraiser concert at Liverpool’s St George’s Hall after being diagnosed with the terminal disease.
Úna, who worked as a leadership and development coach in London before returning to the area to look after her mum and brother, Sean, refused to be slowed down or prevented from helping others.
The concert, attended by more than 300 people, featured performances from international soprano and Voice of Liverpool Year of Culture Rachael Russell, Asa Murphy, the Danny Mannix Swing Band, and local choirs.
Almost £7,000 was raised and the foundation set up in her honour has now been able to give that money to Queenscourt Hospice and MacMillan Cancer Support.
The foundation continues to organise events in her honour using her Courage and Sparkle mantra.
Jacqueline Winstanley, executive chair of the Official Legacy Foundation of Úna McBride, said: “It hardly seems like yesterday since Úna was here, sprinkling her sparkle in lives of all those she met.
“Úna had immense vision and a determination to help others to be the best they could be.
“Her life touched so many people here in the UK and around the world, a respected teacher, entrepreneur and lifelong campaigner of women’s rights and reducing inequalities, however and wherever they occurred. A lover of all things Westminster, politics, her trademark Dior red lipstick, afternoon tea, her beloved Pink Shoe Club and fizz.
“A true empath who made everyone she came into contact with feel at ease and that they had an important role to play, usually followed by a plan on how they would do it!
“Úna’s anniversary will be a particularly difficult time for her close friends and family, particulary Úna’s brother, Sean, and Beryl – who Úna so often referred to as her adopted mum.
“The concert at St George’s Hall in April 2016 – which Úna was so passionate about holding – was a great success and very kindly Asa Murphy, one of the artists who entertained everyone that night, included a dedication to Úna on his radio show on Sunday, July 16.”
“The foundation are proud to announce that funds raised at the concert were recently donated to Queenscourt Hospice and MacMillan Cancer Support in a formal presentation at The Vincent Hotel in Southport, one of Úna’s favourite places – £4,405.71 was donated to Queenscourt Hospice and MacMillan Cancer Support received £2,470.48.
“The continued fundraising will be done by hosting a range of musical, educational, campaigning and fun events alongside traditional and evolving fundraising.
“The foundation were recently able to sponsor the Merseyside Woman of Courage award 2017 in memory of Úna and were delighted to present the 2017 Woman of Courage award to Jean Taylor.”