THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for MacMillan Cancer Support in memory of SDLP Press Officer Stephen McKiernan.
Stephen’s close friend Ciaran McElholme and Frank McDonnell cycled almost 50 miles from Trillick to Derry via Dromore in his memory and raised £3825 in the process.
SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey met the men on their arrival in Derry.
He said: “Stephen was highly respected and loved by all the SDLP parliamentary team and all staff in parliament buildings in Stormont and Westminster.
“He was a very proud member of the SDLP staff team but a dedicated and unselfish senior press officer who took great pride in all the work he did.
“We will miss him badly.
“Stephen’s bravery in the face of all his challenges was inspirational.
“It’s fitting that his friends continue to inspire others in his name. Ciaran and Frank deserve huge credit for their arduous cycle and the significant fundraising effort they’ve made.
“MacMillan Cancer Support is doing amazing work every day with those dealing with cancer and their families.
“Stephen had previously run the Belfast Marathon to raise funds to support this excellent work and I’m sure he’d be so proud of his friends for carrying on in his memory.
“Over the coming months, the SDLP will continue to fundraise to support MacMillan’s vital work and pay tribute to the life of Stephen.”
