Norbrook Employees raise more than £17,000 for Angel Wishes

Norbrook employees in Newry have raised an amazing £17,000 for a charity which supports children fighting cancer and cancer related illnesses. Angel Wishes was started by Gaye Kerr, a mother from Moira in Northern Ireland after she lost twins to separate illnesses; Helen aged just three and her brother Brian at ten years old. The charity which aims to keep Helen and Brian’s memory alive puts smiles on the faces of children living with cancer.

Sandra and Danny Cushnan have both worked for Norbrook for almost 20 years. Their young son Donncha, who is now six, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when he was two years old. It was a big shock to the entire family but Donncha bravely fought the illness and went into remission in May 2015. In late 2015, Donncha relapsed which, following intensive treatment, resulted in a requirement for him to have a bone marrow transplant.  Sandra and Danny travelled to Bristol with Donncha where he received treatment and underwent the transplant procedure. It was then that their colleagues in Norbrook decided they wanted to do something to show their support.

The family talked about the fantastic charity Angel Wishes who have been a great support to Donncha throughout his illness. Donncha has benefitted from a number of treats and surprises from Angel Wishes while he has been sick both at home and in hospital in Northern Ireland and Bristol. Thankfully Donncha has been in remission since his transplant in April 2016.

Norbrook employees held a quiz and a raffle which together with a series of donations from suppliers and individuals helped raise a massive sum of £17,010 for the charity.

Mark Kelly, one of the event organisers said, “We are overwhelmed with the support which has been shown for the event, for Donncha and for the Cushnan family by the employees of Norbrook their families and our suppliers. We are honoured to be able to present more than £17,000 to Angel Wishes which will go directly towards treats and making memories for children across Northern Ireland living with cancer.

“We were delighted that Donncha and his parents were able to come into Norbrook in Newry to help make the presentation to Gaye Kerr from Angel Wishes and for Donncha also to receive a small gift on behalf of the organisers. I would like to thank all of my colleagues in Norbrook who helped in any way and all those who supported the event.”