Fundraising weekend to remember Jim

Jim (70), also known as ‘Sunshine’, from Craig Gardens was attacked and assaulted at Manor Park in the early hours of Sunday October 17 as he walked home from the Lagan Valley Pigeon Club in Longstone Street. He died 12 days later.

Now his brother David, along with Jim’s friends from the Pigeon Club, have organised an auction and a Night at the Races on Saturday followed by a poker night the following night.

David explained the family were so thankful for the help and support that the well known and respected pensioner got that they wanted to do something in memory of ‘Sunshine’ and donate all proceeds to the Belfast City Hospital and the Mater Hospital where he spent his last days.

All money raised from the two nights will go towards the intensive care units at the two hospitals.

“We hope to raise as much as possible,” said David. “Companies we have approached have all been more than good. I would not like to think how much we would get but all the sponsors have been generous.

“The weekend came about when friends the Pigeon Club said that they wanted to do something in memory of Jim so we decided to combine two nights and make it a weekend. We thought it would be appropriate.

“The response has been first class from everyone. We have been really grateful for that. Jim was a real character and everyone liked him. He was so well known and a respected member of the community and we thought it fitting to have something like this to remember him.”

Among the items which will be auctioned are Liverpool shirts and Linfield, Rangers and Glentoran memorabilia. Doors to the event will open next Saturday (March 26) at 7.30pm.

Among the names and sponsors that David would like to thank are Taughmonagh Social Club, Robbie Lenaghan, David Duffield who will be singer on Saturday night, NYPD Pizza, Chinese Gourmet, Hillsborough Boys FC, Ladbrookes, Steve McDonagh, Bouncer Lyness, Shorts branch of Unite Union, Martin McAuley of United Wines, Kenneth Heasley, David Robert Beattie and Eddie Adam from the Pigeon Club. He would also like to mention the First Blues, the British Legion and the Hibernian and the Pigeon Clubs for all their help and support.

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