Over three decades of fund raising for a leading Northern Ireland charity was celebrated in Co Fermanagh recently with a surprise sprung for three local people who have been at the very heart of the local Friends of the Cancer Centre.

Jim Gamble, Avril Graham and Alec Fletcher were honoured by the charity for their outstanding commitment and for a fund-raising drive which has already raised more than ₤300,000.

The trio arrived at a reception called to mark the landmark achievement of more than ₤300,000 donated by the people of Co Fermanagh, only to find that they themselves were centre-stage, with (from left) Charity Trustee Dr Seamus McAleer, Clinical Director of the Cancer Centre, and Gordon McKeown, Chairman of Friends of the Cancer Centre, pictured with Jim Gamble, Alec Fletcher and Avril Graham, who have been at the very heart the charity from its earliest days.

Gordon McKeown said: "There is no way that Jim, Avril and Alec would have turned up to take the plaudits for three decades' work, but we were determined to say a heartfelt and public 'thank you' to them.

"Over the years they have worked tirelessly and selflessly for our charity and, through them, substantial funds have been raised to buy important equipment, deliver patient comforts and fund vital cancer research.

"From the earliest days when they were helping to raise funds for what was then The Friends of Montgomery House Scanner Appeal, Jim, Avril and Alec have been stalwarts of our organisation," the chairman continued.

Jim Gamble from Enniskillen who has been a friend to the charity for 32 years remains modest about his achievements.

Like colleagues Avril and Alec, he is quick to pay tribute to those locals who helped found the organisation and who built such firm foundations for the charity in County Fermanagh.

Jim said: "Of course it's a lot of hard work but so is anything worthwhile. We've had some wonderful nights over the years and, looking back, I've made some great friends through the charity."

Avril Graham was one of the very earliest workers on behalf of the charity, originally working for the group based in her native Irvinestown before they joined forces with Enniskillen's team. She said: "When I look back the years have gone awfully quickly and I dare say, when I started off, I had no idea that I'd still be fund-raising 30 years later."

Alec Fletcher, also a veteran of the Irvinestown group said: "There's been a colossal amount raised over the years and, as long as it continues, hopefully I'll be there. So many families have been touched by cancer that people are ready to help."

(BMcC/GK)