County Derry brothers to host fundraiser to give back to cancer charities

A County Derry family are organising a fundraiser to give back to the charities which offered them support during a tough cancer diagnosis.

The Mid Ulster Model Farm Show, which will be held in Meadowbank Sports Arena in Magherafelt this Saturday, September 6, is being organised by the Campbell family.

Alex Campbell, aged 14, a keen model farm collector, first suggested running the event, and proud mum Vicki said they knew it was ‘the opportunity we were waiting on to raise money for two charities close to our hearts’.

All funds raised from the event will go directly to Cancer Fund for Children and The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity.

In June 2021, Alex’s brother Adam, now aged 11, was diagnosed with B- Cell Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. 

This resulted in four months of hospital stays, chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, scans and plenty of ups and downs.

“During this time we were supported massively by friends, family and these two charities,” Vicki explained.

“Four years later, we know just how lucky we are to have Adam here, very fit and healthy, a privilege lost to many others.”

Alex, a student at Magherafelt High School, and Adam, a P7 pupil at Tobermore Primary School, are hoping to get lots of support at the fundraiser.

“We are hoping to get as many people to come and join us as possible on Saturday 6th September,” they said.

“We want to them to enjoy the model farms, bouncy castles, complete some arts and crafts, get their faces painted, buy some clothes, models, potatoes and locally baked products. They will also be able to take part in the raffle, donate to the charity, buy a little something at the tuck shop and most importantly, have a blooming fantastic day and know that you have made a massive difference to families that are having a very difficult time.”

Vicki, who lives between Magherafelt and Tobermore, added: “The Mid Ulster Model Farm Show is very close to our hearts as, what began as a hobby for Alex, has now become a way of giving back and raising vital funds for the Cancer Fund for Children and the Children’s Cancer Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

“These two charities walked with us through our toughest days when Adam went through a cancer diagnosis in 2021 and provided us respite in the form of Family stays, residentials to support both Alex and Adam, teachers and play therapists in the hospital and a listening ear.

“We would love to see as many people as possible come along, enjoy the day, and help support the incredible work these charities do for children and families like ours.”

This Saturday’s show runs from 10.30am to 4.30pm.  Admission is £7 per adult, £5 per child aged between 5 and 16 or £20 for a family of four.

Find out more information on Facebook @Mid-Ulster Model Show or Instagram - Midulstermodelfarmshow2025.