A wonderful act of generosity and remembrance was marked last week at Teemore Business Complex, where staff and clients of Lakeland Community Care gathered with representatives from Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland (PFNI) to celebrate the life and legacy of their much-loved colleague, Eileen McBarron.
Valerie Brown, (Ambassador for PFNI), Clare Donohoe, Co-ordinator of the charity, and her son Ryan Donohoe, met with Eileen’s family, her husband James, daughter Julie-Anne, and son Brendan, who presented a cheque for the incredible sum of £4,489.59. The funds were raised at a coffee morning held on September 13th at Teemore Business Complex in Eileen’s memory.
The heartfelt event, hosted by Millie Crozier, Care Manager, and Pat McGurn, CEO of Lakeland Community Care, brought together staff, clients, and friends to remember Eileen’s kindness and commitment to the community. Guests were also invited to view a beautiful tree planted in Eileen’s honour at the complex, a lasting tribute to a wonderful lady who made such a positive impact on all who knew her. Teemore Day centre also received a generous donation of £952.97, presented in lieu of flowers following Eileens Funeral.
Speaking after the event, Clare Donohoe expressed her gratitude:
“It was a real privilege to be part of such a special occasion. The generosity and compassion shown by everyone at Teemore Day care centre and the local communities in Fermanagh and Cavan, and by Eileen’s family, are truly humbling. On behalf of Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland, we extend our sincerest thanks for this incredible support in Eileen’s memory. The funds raised will be used to offer patients, carers and their families much needed respite and support.
About Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious and progressive lung condition, with no cure, that causes scarring (fibrosis) of the lung tissue, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. The disease leads to breathlessness, fatigue, and reduced oxygen levels. While there is currently no cure, early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and support can help patients manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
About Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland
Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland (PFNI) is a local charity dedicated to supporting patients, families, and carers affected by pulmonary fibrosis across Northern Ireland. The organisation provides practical advice, emotional support, and opportunities to connect with others who understand the challenges of living with the disease.
PFNI also works to raise awareness, influence healthcare policy, and campaign for improved access to care and treatment.
Anyone diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, or supporting a loved one with the condition is warmly encouraged to get in touch with Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland for information, guidance, and community support.
For more information, visit Pulmonary Fibrosis NI on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/445013243052103/ or online at https://pulmonaryfibrosisni.co.uk.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland to Represent Local Voices on the European Stage
In further positive news, Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland has announced that two representatives, Clare Donohoe, Co-ordinator, and Mrs. Pat Gorman, Interstitial Lung Disease Specialist Nurse at Antrim Area Hospital and Trustee of PFNI, will attend the European Respiratory Patient Academy in Prague from 13–16 November 2025.
The Academy, organised by the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) in collaboration with Europe’s leading respiratory patient organisations, brings together 45 patient advocates from across Europe for four days of training, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.
The programme aims to strengthen leadership, advocacy, and partnership in respiratory health and explore how patient experience can shape research, influence policy, and improve access to care.
The Academy is led by EFA and co-developed with a steering committee of major European respiratory organisations, including Alpha-1 Europe Alliance, Cystic Fibrosis Europe, European Pulmonary Fibrosis Federation, Lung Cancer Europe, Pulmonary Hypertension Association Europe, and the TB Europe Coalition.
This marks an important opportunity for Northern Ireland’s pulmonary fibrosis community to contribute to shaping European respiratory health initiatives, ensuring that local patient perspectives are heard at an international level.