Friends and colleagues of the late Rae King gather outside Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, with BHF NI Head Fearghal McKinney, to mark raising over £9,000 for BHF NI
Rae King (55) from Limavady suffered an aortic dissection and died on April 29.
A midwife at Altnagelvin Hospital for 30 years, she delivered and cared for hundreds of babies during her career as well as acting as a mentor to trainee midwives.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, friends and colleagues were unable to attend her funeral.
But in a bid to celebrate her life, more than 300 people have taken part in a ‘5k for Rae’ event.
The walking challenge took place at 27 locations around the globe, from Arranmore Island to Sydney and New York.
Three friends of Ms King, one of whom was shielding, also completed the 5km on a treadmill.
Already the event has raised more than £9,000 for the British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland (BHF NI).
Friend and event organiser Deirdre Gill said: “The response has been amazing.
“I didn’t think it would take off so much, but in a way it hasn’t been a surprise because Rae deserved such a turnout and it just shows how well thought of she was.
“We weren’t able to say a proper goodbye to Rae because of Covid-19 but around 100 midwives turned up to line the roads outside the funeral home.
“We really wanted to do something to remember Rae.
“She made such a massive impression on those who knew her.
“Fittingly, Rae’s family kicked off the first walk near her home and with Rae being so well-known, walks took place at Inch Island, Roe Valley Country Park, Manchester, Edinburgh, Donegal, Derry, Portrush and Strabane, to name a few.”
The late Rae King from Limavady, who worked at Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry pictured with her father Gerald and brother David
“She was such a lovely, unassuming person with such compassion for people and she had the most gorgeous smile. A very genuine person, she was remarkable.”
Fearghal McKinney from BHF NI said “fundraisers are the lifeblood of our organisation, without them we wouldn’t be able to fund vital research that helps save lives”.
“We’re particularly grateful to everyone who raised funds for us by taking part in the 5k for Rae event during such a difficult time.
“Our mission is to help improve and save the lives of local people with heart and circulatory diseases and ultimately help beat heartbreak forever.
“This amazing amount of £9,000 raised through the walks in memory of Rae and donations made in lieu of flowers, will help us do that.”
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