Armagh businesses have played a major part in raising £13,069.94 for Pulmonary Fibrosis NI in memory of Dungannon father-of-four Paul McBride, who died after suffering from the life-limiting condition.
The money was collected through a special charity golf day at Dungannon Golf Club, organised by Paul’s family, friends and close friend Kevin Grimley. Businesses from the Armagh area provided sponsorship, prizes, printing and other support for the event.
Paul died on December 9, 2024, aged 59. He worked as a tradesman installing suspended ceilings and stud walls, and the source report states that dust associated with his work undoubtedly led to him contracting Pulmonary Fibrosis several years before his death.
A private illness with a devastating diagnosis
Paul had lived with his condition privately for around two years before telling Kevin, a friend of 25 years. When he finally explained what he was facing, he also revealed that the illness was terminal.
Kevin, who is originally from Armagh, described Paul as a “brother” and remembered him as the “life and soul of any party”. He said Paul loved his children and family, worked hard and was known for his constant humour.
One memory recalled by Kevin involved a night away arranged after the death of his father and the loss of Paul’s two dogs. The friends had planned to play golf and stay overnight at The Ballymascanlon before deciding to enter an unfamiliar wedding celebration in Dundalk.
Kevin said Paul ended up at the front of the dance floor during “Rock the Boat”, steering the group. He described it as one of his last breaks and a lasting memory of his friend.
Kevin learned the seriousness of Paul’s condition in May. Seven months later, Paul had died. He had been placed on the list for a lung transplant in Newcastle, England, but the procedure could not go ahead.
A requirement for transplantation was that Paul had no cancer cells. When medical staff attempted to fly him from Woodgate to Newcastle, he “got into difficulties” and suffered a collapsed lung. Fluid was drained and tested, but cancerous cells were found. The transplant was therefore ruled out, and Paul was brought home to be made comfortable.
Golf day support from Armagh and beyond
Kevin was with Paul towards the end of his life, holding his hand while he was surrounded by his family and his mother Kathleen, who was 90 and also living with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Kevin said many people locally had little understanding of the condition or of Pulmonary Fibrosis NI, the charity supporting patients and their families. He wanted the golf day to raise awareness as well as money in memory of a friend who had made a lasting impression on those around him.
The charity provides individualised support to patients and their families. It has also recently bought holiday homes in Lough Erne and Ballycastle, allowing people living with Pulmonary Fibrosis to take what may be their final holiday without the risks and worries associated with flying.
Hundreds of raffle tickets were sold by Paul’s family and friends. His brother Sean raised more than £800 through ticket sales, while friend Peter “Dixie” McBride created a donation bar on the 11th hole.
Players at the donation bar could receive a free beer and roll a dice. A favourable roll could provide a helping hand in the game, while rolling a one meant “no luck”. The activity raised more than £1,000 for the charity, with Kevin saying the craic on the 11th hole was “mighty”.
Paul’s son Ronan also photographed the event, taking more than 700 pictures during the day.
Businesses thanked for backing the appeal
Kevin gave particular thanks to Instant Print, a local printer that sponsored a large fabric banner, completed the event printing and produced additional raffle tickets within an hour on the morning of the golf day.
He also thanked McKinney Competitions, Keegan’s Bar, LA Image, Gold Drop and Phones Direct, alongside the many other businesses that donated prizes or provided assistance.
Kevin said the businesses had gone above and beyond, despite not knowing Paul personally, because they cared about the charity and the cause.
Thanks were also extended to Grainne Grimley, Ellie Hamill, Majella McBride, Ronan McBride, Ryan McBride, Lauren McBride, Megan McBride, Peter McBride, Tom McMillan and Dungannon Golf Club.
With the cheque now handed over to Pulmonary Fibrosis NI, the organisers hope the funds will help other families access the support that Paul and his family valued.