Kells opens its heart in a major fundraising drive for fall victim

KELLS opened its heart in considerable numbers last Thursday night when about 500 people turned up at the Headfort Arms Hotel fundraiser for Helen Tormay, the St Colmcille's Terrace native but London-domiciled lady who was paralysed following a fall from her apartment in the city two years ago.

"Every family in town seemed to have sent a representative and we're now in funds to do all the work we hoped for Helen," said chairperson Susan Motherway last weekend. It is understood a substantial five-figure sum has been raised as a result of last week's event.

She thanked musicians Enigma, DJ Martin Forde, town councillors and family friend Pat Kerrigan of the Old Darnley Lodge Hotel, which sponsored the food for the fundraiser.

The Helen Tormay Trust Fund was set up with an account at the town's Bank of Ireland branch to help Helen, who suffered severe spinal injuries following her fall. She has been living in London for the past 17 years and had a 27-year-old son and 23-year-old daughter.

Helen underwent seven months of rehabilitation at the famed Stoke Mandeville Centre following her accident. The funds raised in Kells last week are to be used to adapt her home in London..