By Amy Pollock
DESPITE the weather, the Portaferry community was out in full force for the highly-anticipated Abi’s Butterfly Breeze fundraising event on Sunday.
The event marked the sixth annual Abi’s Butterfly Breeze fundraiser, held in memory of 15 year-old Abi Rogers, who sadly lost her battle with mental health in September 2018.
The beloved teen’s passing devastated her family and the wider community, who now rally together every year to commemorate Abi and raise funds for Bright Future, a counselling service for young people set up in her honour through mental health charity, Inspire.
Over 100 people gathered at Portaferry GAC for a full day of activities, including a 5k, 10k, kids’ 1k and family fun day for all ages and abilities.
In the lead-up to Sunday’s main event, and to recognise National Suicide Prevention Week, Abi’s family and local community groups undertook a range of additional fundraising challenges, including a charity football match last Tuesday and a charity pub quiz and raffle last Friday.
With significant support from the Portaferry community and beyond – including sponsorship from McCarthy Developments, Young Roofing, Portaferry Centra, Portaferry Costcutter and Post Office, Portaferry GAC, Bangor Ukes and ChampionChip Ireland – this year’s event raised an impressive total of £3,500.
Cathy Gilmore-Brodie, Abi’s mum, said of the event’s success: “Even though the weather wasn’t on our side – the day went brilliantly – it was a great atmosphere from start to finish.”
Already looking to next year, Cathy said: “People really look forward to it every year, it’s always talked about so this event will be on for the foreseeable. As long as I can do it, it’ll keep going, as it keeps me going.”
She added: “I’d like to thank everyone who came out to support us, including all the sponsors and everyone who helped out on the day. Without the volunteers, it just couldn’t happen.”
Before she gets busy planning Abi’s Butterfly Breeze 2026, Cathy said her next focus will be continuing to raise funds until the end of this year as she prepares for her next challenge – the Amsterdam marathon on 19th October.
Donations can still be made to Abi’s Butterfly Breeze 2025 fundraiser via www.justgiving.com/page/abb2025
