Charity set up in memory of Derry man helps save thousands of lives
A charity set up in memory of a Derry man who died tragically eight years ago has helped save 20,000 lives
Christopher Gallagher was only 23-years-old when he died from malaria on May 20, 2006, while visiting Thailand on a year-long trip around the world.
The young Shantallow man had graduated from Queen’s University the year before his death.
Following the tragedy, Christopher’s parents, Martin and Mary, set up a charity called ‘The Malaria Fund’ in his memory.
The charity has since worked in conjunction with another Derry-based charity, Children in Crossfire, to provide equipment to communities in impoverished countries throughout the world to help them fight against malaria.
To date, The Malaria Fund has raised around £50,000 and it’s said that this money had helped to save the lives of 20,000 people, mainly children.
The name of the charity has recently been changed from The Malaria Fund to The Christopher Gallagher Memorial Fund.
One of the charity’s biggest fundraising initiatives in recent years has been a Santa appeal by Martin and Mary Gallagher.
In the run-up to Christmas, the couple have braved the elements to dress up in Santa suits and stand in Derry’s Guildhall Square to raise money for their charity.
This year, there is a change to the appeal.
Instead of being based in Guildhall Square, Martin and Mary will be located in the entrance of the Guildhall.
“We will be no longer standing out in the wind and rain but have moved things indoors,” said Mary.
“This year in Christy’s memory a memorial tree has been set up in the entrance to the Guildhall in Derry.
“The tree is open to the entire community to come along and pay their respects to a loved one by bringing along a single decoration per person hang it on the tree and make a donation to the red bin in their memory.”
The memorial tree will remain in the Guildhall entrance until January 6.
The Gallaghers are also available to be hired out as Santas and have already been booked to appear at all the Christmas parties at Pitcher’s restaurant in Derry.
A range of prizes will be on offer at the parties and people will be able to make a donation to the couple’s Santa’s Big Fundraiser Appeal 2014.
Martin Gallagher said they were thankful of the support they had received in recent years and appealed for continued support for their charity over the Christmas period.
“Children in Crossfire and Christopher’s friends have also been immense in their support and have been to the fore in giving us the help needed to continue to move forward in our fundraising efforts,” he said.