Brian Gillespie dedicated his life to raising much needed funds for a range of good causes in the Derry/Londonderry area. His fellow tenants at Choice Housing’s Donal Casey Court came together to pay tribute to his life and charitable contribution
Brian, who sadly passed away on the 23 September at the Foyle hospice, lived at Donal Casey Court for nine years and was a central part of the sheltered housing scheme, which was first opened in May 1998 by former SDLP leader John Hume.
In a collaboration with The Cosy Club, Choice Housing staff brought tenants of Donal Casey Court and family together at a memorial for Brian which was also attended by volunteer members of The Cosy Club, a local community organisation of which Brian was a member.
Brian’s fundraising activities over 50 years raised a significant level of funds for the Wheelchair Association, Foyle Hospice, and the Blood Bank. He was involved in the early stages of the Foyle Hospice, selling bricks for £5 in an effort to raise much needed funds for the local service.
Nicole McElhinney, Scheme Co-ordinator at Choice Housing’s Donal Casey Court said,
“The turn out for the memorial coffee morning is testament to the impact Brian had on so many people’s lives, not just through his incredible fundraising and charitable efforts but the friendships he developed both at Donal Casey Court and in the wider community.
Brian was a much-loved member of the local Derry/Londonderry community and neighbouring Buncrana and Letterkenny, and was a well-known face in many local shops and cafes. He will leave a lasting legacy in so many people’s lives, and I think he will have been pleased with our own fundraising efforts which the tenants organised as part of the memorial.”
During the memorial, tenants and staff held a raffle in Brian’s honour with a number of prizes donated by the local community – raising £450 on the day.
Bottom left - Noeleen Stewart Tenant at Donal Casey Court
Bottom Right – Active Tenant Joe Doherty Donal Casey Court
Top Left – Nicole McElhinney Scheme Coordinator Donal Casey Court
Top Right - Ailbhe McDaid Foyle Hospice
