Community helps to raise £9,000 for Lily

Lisburn Mayor Andrew Ewing with Lily O'Hara

The Low Road and East Belfast community helped to raise around £9,000 for Lily O’Hara, the 91-year-old woman who lost her life savings following a break-in at her home, last week.

Davy Doran, a former neighbour started off the fundraising campaign along with his cousin William Donaghy, said that he was overwhelmed with the generosity in the community.

Lily’s house was broken into while she visited her son at his chip shop premises in East Belfast. Her life savings that were taken were being used to help cover her funeral costs.

The money will be handed over to the family on Saturday at Old Warren.

“Within around 24 hours of us starting the fundraising we had raised £4,000,” said a delighted Davy. “We had a Facebook and a fundraising page which are now closed,

“When we approached local shops they were more than generous. I lifted £900 alone just last night.

“People are still approaching me and if they still want to donate they can do so by contacting us but we are looking to wind it up within the next few days.