A Co Down family has raised £9,000 for the RNLI in memory of Ruth Maguire who died while on a hen party earlier this year.
The mum-of-three, originally from North Belfast , was on a friend’s hen party in Carlingford, Co Louth, in March this year when tragedy struck.
The 30-year-old went missing and after extensive searches, her body was recovered from the Lough between Carlingford and Greenore on March 18.
Now her family has raised £9,000 for Newcastle RNLI , who were involved in the search, in Ruth's memory.
The lifeboat station were incredibly moved by the kind gesture from Ruth’s loved ones and have expressed their deep gratitude for the substantial donation.
Following the tragedy, Ruth’s family have carried out numerous fundraising events between Newcastle and Belfast.
These included a sponsored walk of Slieve Donard and her brother-in-law completed the Belfast Marathon .
A major fundraising night was also held in Byransford GAA club in Newcastle which was supported by people throughout the county.
Speaking during the handover of the cheque to Newcastle RNLI by members of the Maguire family including Ruth’s finance Jim, Newcastle Lifeboat Operations Manager Lisa Ramsden said: "We are completely overwhelmed by this donation. It was our sad duty to help bring Ruth home that day but the crew were honoured to be able to return her to her loved ones. Ruth was a local girl and we felt her loss, it was a difficult callout for the station and our hearts went out to her family and friends.
"We are astounded that in the weeks and months following her loss, that the family thought of others at this time and raised funds in her memory. It is a beautiful and fitting tribute to Ruth and we are extremely grateful for it.
"We will always remember Ruth and are proud that the funds raised in her memory will be spent here in Newcastle to help the work of the RNLI in saving lives."
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