Concert and CD to raise funds for hospice in memory of popular Inishowen nurse

The family of the late nurse Helen McLaughlin are raising funds for the Donegal Hospice in her memory through a concert and CD. 

Musician Edel McLaughlin and her family have organised a fundraising concert in memory of their mother who passed away in April 2022. Helen spent two and a half weeks in the hospice before she passed away. 

Helen, a midwife, was from Carndonagh but raised her family in Burnfoot after she married her husband Dominic.

“We were overwhelmed by the compassion and exceptional care that was shown to mum, and to ourselves as a family, during that time,” Edel said.

“She was well-known and respected as a midwife, having worked for 36 years in Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. She was a very kind, helpful and humble lady.”

Edel McLaughlin is launching a Christmas album which will also raise funds for the hospice

Edel said the family wants to give back to the hospice in recognition of the special care they took of Helen.

“We are so grateful for the service that the Donegal Hospice provides to families all across the county of Donegal. We know other families who have also benefited from either day services or having stayed for a time at the hospice.”

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The family have asked friends and talented musicians from the North-West to take part in the concert. 

Edel is also launching a Christmas album, An Spideog, at the concert which takes place on Saturday, December 9 in The Halfway House in Burnfoot. Sales from the CD will also go to the hospice. The concert will be headlined by The Henry Girls and will also include the Inishowen Trad Choir, Clann Uí Mhurchu, Róisín and Paul Harrigan and Michael Gallanagh, Kate and Shannan Forde McKinley, Fergal Bradley and Edel McLaughlin with Joe Rodgers.

Tickets are available on the door at a cost of €15 for adults and €10 concessions. Doors will be open from 7.15pm. There will be a raffle with lots of prizes.

The CD is available in local shops including Neal Doherty’s Jewellers and Gift Shop in Carndonagh,  Mac’s bookshop in Buncrana and Sinéad’s Gift Shop in Clonmany and can be downloaded here. Donations can be made here.