Charity event to be held in memory of Emma McLaughlin

Derry woman Emma McLaughlin who passed away earlier this year.

Organisers of the trademark event, first held in 2012 to raise funds enabling Emma to travel to the US for treatment of her aggressive brain tumour, will once again bring together some of the North’s finest bands and DJs to Sandinos Bar, Derry, on November 24.

Emma McLaughlin - Friends pay tribute to '˜beautiful person'

Declared as a ‘celebration of love’ and a ‘’tribute to the life of a beautiful and inspiration girl’ with a line-up boasting The Henry Girls, Ports , Exmagician, Triggerman, Paddy Nash and DJ sets from Confute and BBC’s Stephen McCauley, this promises to do just that in memory of the much loved Emma, fondly known by her friends as Dizzy.

Emma’s life was not an easy one, although you would not be aware this. The loss of her mum Berna from cancer when she was five, led her father Pat to take on both roles to Emma and her three siblings Claire, John Ryan and Rory.

So strong and positive as a young woman she travelled and worked abroad meeting her dedicated partner Harry during her time in Australia.

Emma’s sickness started in 2002 and soon she was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.

The beginning of her 14 year battle with her illness began when her father, Pat, was diagnosed with cancer and passed away.

Emma continued to battle her illness, which included three open brain surgeries, a gamma knife procedure, unlimited amounts of determination, positivity, smiles and hugs - anyone who knew Emma would speak of her passion for life, and of the love she radiated.

Giving life to her wonderful daughter she named Hope, Emma and Harry instilled the same spirit of life and determination, ensuring her legacy will live on, Hope giving her the continued strength and drive to be well.

“Emma was a gift to us all, we have the opportunity to remember what she taught us and use it to inspire our own lives. She lit up a path that those blessed to know her can follow,” a close family member.

Tickets are now on sale at Sandinos Bar in Derry priced at only £10.00. Telephone 02871 309297.

Full line up and details at Facebook #dancefordizzy.

All proceeds will go to the help the families of loved ones with terminal cancer and to the Foyle Hospice, Derry.

Donations welcome at the ‘Dancing For Dizzy’ JustGiving page.