50th Anniversary Lunch
Formerly known as the Northern Ireland Leukaemia Research Fund, we are celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2014 and on 5 September we said thank you to supporters old and new with a special lunch held in the Canada Room in Queen’s University Belfast.
Various supporters came along from founding members, committee members, branches and fundraisers and enjoyed a presentation of photographs and articles from across the years and met with old friends and shared stories from across the years. Each guest was also presented with a 50th Anniversary Commemoration Book which documents the history.
Northern Ireland Leukaemia Research Fund was founded in 1964 after the loss of Olive McDowell’s teenage daughter from leukaemia. Olive resolved to start a fund to support research into the cause and cure of leukaemia in Northern Ireland. 50 years later almost £10 million has been raised and growing and growing.
Mr Bill Pollock, Chair of Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI, said:
“This event is a symbol of celebration for Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI and marks the dedication and commitment by our supporters and fundraisers over the last 50 years.
“We’ve recently made a £1.5 million three year investment which will enable researchers and clinicians in Queen’s University Belfast and across Northern Ireland to continue and expand their internationally recognised research.
“The number of lives and loved ones that have been saved through the donations raised and spent here in Northern Ireland on scientific research is significant, and with our new vision for the charity we are confident that we will be able to continue advancing the fight against blood cancers for many years to come.
“We would like to say thank you to our supporters for all of the hard work and fundraising that has enabled Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI to reach its 50th anniversary.”