Amazing response to attack on 96 year old woman
Buncrana Councillor Ciaran McLaughlin with members of the local credit union with the cheque for more than 3,300 euro, money raised for 96 years old Margeret 'Greta' Lilly who was attacked in her home in early January.
Buncrana pensioner Margaret ‘Greta’ Lilly simply can’t believe how generous people have been since she was the victim of a robbery in her home in Aghilly, Buncrana at the start of the year.
Yesterday Buncrana councillor, Ciaran McLaughlin said when he presented her with a cheque at the weekend for more than 3,300 euro she simply ‘could not believe it.”
The attack on the 96 year old woman who lives alone caused outrage locally and was the subject of national media coverage.
Speaking with the ‘Journal’ yesterday Colr McLaughlin said while the story had a very bad start it had a ‘happy ending’: “When I spoke to Greta on Saturday night she was in good form. She fell a couple of weeks back and broke her hip but she’s still upbeat. And when I told her about the money that had been raised for her she simply couldn’t believe that people cared so much about her or were that generous. She could not thank the people enough for their kindness and how many had enquired about her since the attack. She was very moved and very grateful.”
The Sinn Fein councillor said that the response to the attack had been truly heartening.
“The response came from everywhere. Three men in England, I think they have a Donegal background, organised a golf tournament and raised almost a thousand pound.
“And we got cheques from all over the country. We even got a cheque from a doctor in Meath. A couple of fellas from Derry dropped in money. It was amazing the number of people who contributed - 5 euro, ten euro, people gave what they could afford. In the midst of a recession and people struggling with their own bills this was a remarkable response.”
What did Ms Lilly intend to do with the money?
“She told me that the first thing she intends to do is buy a new bed. She says her old one is not that comfortable!”
Last week a 48-year old man was charged with burglary and threatening to kill Ms Lilly at her home in Buncrana on January 5th.
Thomas Alcock, of no fixed abode, appeared before Cloverhill Court in Dublin on Wednesday. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear in court again shortly.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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