Lisburn News

Family goes an extra mile in memory of their mum

by JENNY MONROE

Caroline Sarnia with her late mother Margaret Browne

A CHARITY event has been organised in memory of a Hillsborough woman who dedicated her life to others.

Margaret Browne was an inspirational woman who, her daughter Caroline Samia says, always went the extra mile for others, not just in her role as an Oncology Social Worker in Belfast City Hospital or a Samaritan volunteer, or in fostering 16 children over the years, but in her everyday life too.

Margaret, who died suddenly after a heart attack last year, was four months short of retirement and had planned to fundraise for Friends of the Cancer Centre once she retired torn her social work role.

With this in mind Caroline has organised 'My Extra Mile' (MEM), on June 9 from 3pm-6.30pm - a sponsored mile walk around Down Royal Race Course, followed by a Barbeque, a kids' disco, raffle and family friendly fun for all ages and stages, including a donkey derby.

Caroline said; "No one was ever turned away. To Mum everyone was special and her infamous 'quietly and without fuss' phrase sums up her approach to helping people as she always wanted to maintain their dignity when they felt vulnerable.

"Mum, who I was blessed to have as my best friend too, believed that, when received, you should pass a kind deed on by doing good for someone else. In fact Mum's work is being recognised at the Regional Social Work Awards in June.

"Her legacy lives on and my dad David and brothers and sisters Nikki, Greg and Zoe, myself and mum's five grand children will be going the extra mile to her dream."

Caroline added: "We want everyone to be able to participate and make this a fun day to
remember. We are very grateful to the Down Royal Race Course, Hamilton and Kirk, Barclay Communications and Laughin' Stock for their support. Please contact me on myextramile@live.co.uk or 07842 070086 for further details and sponsorship forms, if you would like to join us or can offer raffle prizes or services. Our website address is www.justgiving.com/MEM ."

Colleen Shaw, the Director of Friends of the Cancer Centre, commented: "Margaret was a true friend to patients and their families for many many years. As a senior social worker Margaret got to know the families and the heartache they were going through when a diagnosis of cancer was made.

"For several years Margaret had specifically supported patients with a breast cancer diagnosis and worked very closely with Friends of the Cancer Centre to support patients both emotionally and financially through a fund that the charity made to the Social Work Department to help all cancer patients.

Margaret was a great ambassador for 'Friends' and encouraged patients and their families to fundraise. Margaret was always aware that 'Friends' could step in at a moment's notice and give financial support to patients she knew were in need."

jenny.monroe@ulsterstar.co.uk

Ulster Star
01/06/2012