Buchanan family's 'Big Bash' fundraiser raises £11,500 for charities

A STRABANE family has raised a staggering £11,500 which has now been shared between four worthy causes in recognition of their invaluable work.

The money was raised following 'The Big Bash' hosted by the Buchanan family, from Curlyhill, to mark the birthdays of sisters Leanne and Jennifer.

The party was held at Floyds, Ballymagorry, in September, last year, with Leanne celebrating her 30th and Jennifer marking her 24th.

"For me and my sister's birthday we thought we would do a fundraiser for some worthy causes close to a lot of people hearts," Leanne explained.

"Nearly one year on from The Big Bash and with all money now donated to the charities, we have a final figure of £11,500.

"Our target was £10,000 for our chosen charity, Children with Cancer UK.

"With the remaining money we decided to split it between three local cancer charities that do incredible work for people in their time of need; Friends of the Cancer Centre Belfast, Charis Cancer Care Cookstown, Care for Cancer Omagh.

"We managed to get 14 raffle prizes and nine auction items.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses and generous people who sponsored a raffle prize or auction item."

Sponsors of the raffle prizes included: Buchanan family (Farnham Estate, Spa and Golf Resort €200 voucher), P McSorley & Sons Ltd, Killeter (£50 voucher), Gibson Agri, Strabane (£50 voucher), McHugh's Tyres & Fuel, Strabane (£50 voucher), T Devine Auto Repairs, Strabane (free car service worth £120), Taggart Jack, Ardstraw (£40 voucher), Bradley's Chemist, Newtownstewart (£40 voucher), The Auld Bank (food and drink hamper worth £40), Floyds Restaurant, Ballymagorry (£20 voucher), Holdens Agri, Artigarvan (back sprayer) P McConnell Agri (waterproof coat and leggings), Killygordon Animal Health Products (sheep drench) and Fane Valley, Omagh (£50 voucher).

Auction item sponsors were: Galgorm Hotel and Spa (one night stay), Beatties Newtownstewart (jar of pour on for cattle), James Buchanan (two mule lambs), Alan Hannah (one Suffolk Cheviot Hogget), Michael Burke (one Black Ewe Lamb), Paul Brown (jar of liquid gold ), Willie and Florence Aiken (one ton trolley jack) and Aiden McCarney (draper socket set).

Leanne added: "A special thanks to DJ John Gallagher and son who kindly donated the money back into the charity fund.

"A word of thanks to CMCN Beauty/Ciara McNulty for doing my beautiful makeup on the night and who kindly donated the money back into the charity fund.

"A spray tan by Sunshapers Strabane was kindly donated the money back into the charity fund.

"Thank you to family and friends who sold raffle tickets, gathered donations, and came to celebrate with us on the night. It was one to remember.

"Last but not least, a big thank you to each and every person who bought a raffle ticket, gave a donation or just some loose change.

"Every penny counts. Without your generosity this could have not been possible."