Little Ellie Nicholl’s family. Pictured with Ellie, centre, are mum Ciara, dad Billy and big brother Arran RMG86
Despite her father Billy suffering a heart attack a special fundraiser for little Ellie Nicholl, who is battling a rare neurological condition, goes ahead tonight as planned.
The Halloween Fundraiser is being held in the Westville Hotel and all money raised will go towards H-ABC Research and the Horizon West Children’s Hospice.
Speaking this week to the Herald Ellie’s mother Ciara explained that her husband had been feeling unwell for some time, but thought it was indigestion.
“Billy had been feeling the symptoms for the past six weeks and he thought it was
indigestion, but unfortunately it was a warning sign that he was going to have a heart-attack, which he did last Saturday.”
Ciara explained that Billy is now “doing well”, but will not attend Friday’s event.
“It’s been a tough year for us, but thanks be to God we caught it in time and he’s in the right place now at the moment.”
It was a case of role-reversal on Saturday morning as Ellie and big brother Arran visited their father at the South West Acute Hospital and it was a welcome surprise for Billy.
When asked if there had been any discussions about cancelling Friday’s fundraiser, Ciara said the thought never crossed her mind.
“I didn’t because to look at Billy you wouldn’t think there was anything wrong with him and with the effort that has gone into it there’s no way Billy wouldn’t want it to go ahead. So it was just a case of keep going.I know it’s going to be a really great night, with the auction and the disco, it definitely is a well planned night.”
Looking ahead to Friday Ciara took the opportunity to thank all those who have helped support the cause, admitting it has been a humbling experience for her and the family.
“It’s totally overwhelming and to be honest , it’s a humbling experience also to think people we don’t know are there to support us. It’s great also the amount of people who have rang since Billy’s heart attack and offered me help. It’s amazing just how generous and kind people are.”
Local businesses have generously donated a host of prizes for a raffle on the night, while the auction has a host of unique items including; a lunch with the folks on the hill at Stormont, signed Ulster rugby and Republic of Ireland jerseys, two Manchester United tickets, signed gloves from world champion boxer Carl Frampton and a campervan for hire.
Tickets for the Halloween fundraiser are £20 and are available through Facebook at www.facebook.com/ellienichollspage, Lilley’s Centra and the NI Hospice shop. The event starts at 7.30pm
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