Rita Maguire RMG01
AN Irvinestown woman who has been a leading charity worker for Chest, Heart and Stroke was among 300 guests at a celebration event to mark the charity’s 70 anniversary.
Rita Maguire, who has been working with the charity for more than 20 years said, “Over the years I have seen the difference this charity makes to people’s lives. I am very proud to say I volunteer for them and it has been lovely to celebrate with everyone today.”
The Irvinestown woman dedicates her life to charity work and remember when she first started out with Chest, Heart and Stroke.
“I answered an advert in the newspaper looking for volunteers because I felt it was something I would like to do. We meet every Wednesday when people with these conditions meet and have tea or coffee and chat,” she said.
“For stroke sufferers who come here it’s amazing to see the difference in them in just a few weeks. When they first arrive they can be very withdrawn, but when they get in among the other people who are in the same situation we can see them really coming out of themselves. They really make the effort to come out and say hello. That always fills me with cheer,” she said.
“We’re like a big family because some of us have been here since it started,” said Rita.
The Irvinestown woman, who also gives her time to the Chernobyl Shop in the town, says she gets great satisfaction from her role in Chest, Heart and Stroke.
“Many a morning I wake up and wonder why I am going there, but when the stroke sufferers come through the door ‘all scrubbed up’ and they start chatting, I know exactly why. I’m just helping a little bit, but it’s really fulfilling,” she said.
“What I give to the club is nothing compared to the feeling I get back. I couldn’t see my life without volunteering. No one realises how fulfilling it can be. People sometimes say they haven’t the time, but I say make the time and you will certainly be rewarded for it,” said Rita.
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