Today the 'Derry Journal' joins her two year campaign and is offering two signed football shirts of Glasgow Celtic and Derry City FC, secured by the McBay family, for public auction.

The money raised will be used to upgrade facilities for family members at the hospital. It is a cause close to the heart of Kathleen McBay, as, on 21st March 2006 she lost her 36-year-old husband, John, to lung cancer.

"We saw first hand that even in spite of the great work and support by the nursing staff at the hospital, there was no provisions, let alone any home comforts for family and friends who could be staying long term with their ill loved ones.

"We thought this would be a fitting tribute to both John and the staff who cared for him so diligently.

"The dedication of the nursing staff made us determined that anyone coming after us would get the extra benefits we never had."

The McBay family have organised bag packs, sponsored walks, night at the races, raffles, charity auctions and secured corporate sponsorship from Seagate to the tune of £9,000.

This has already seen the Sperrin Room completely redeveloped and redecorated, ward ten fitted with new televisions, fans and reclining chairs.

Tragically the family have had reason to revisit their hard work as Kathleen's fundraising has been curtailed by her treatment for a brain aneurysm.

Whil only last month her mother-in-law, Bridie McBay, also passed away from lung cancer.

"It was hard on the famliy but as we tell people when we are fundraising, you never know who is going to need the facilities at Altnagelvin Hospital next."

It is hoped a fundraising committee can be organised and Kathleen has invited any relative who wants to help to get in contact.

Bids for the shirts open at £500 for the Celtic shirt and £100 for the Derry City jersey.

Both have been signed by the full 2008 squads.

Bids or offers of assistance can be made via laurence.mcclenaghan@derryjournal.com. The auction will close in three weeks.