The Murphy family from Helens Bay have generously donated three syringe drivers and a wide selection of syringe driver bags, to the District Nursing Team at Bloomfield Surgery in Bangor, after Carol Murphy passed away from Glioblastoma in September 2024.
Carol, a much loved wife and mother and a well-known businesswoman in the Bangor area, was deeply respected and news of her death came as a shock to many.
In lieu of flowers at Carol’s funeral, an incredible £10,000 was raised through donations.
Half of the funds were used to purchase the syringe drivers and accompanying bags for the Bloomfield District Nursing Team, while the remaining amount was donated to Brainwaves, a charity that supported Carol and her family throughout her cancer journey.
Carol’s daughter, Zara Montgomery, explained the significance of the donation and said, “Mum was diagnosed with one of the deadliest types of brain tumour in November 2022. She did really well, she had surgery and worked hard on her recovery. When her cancer returned, she was lucky to get a second surgery. As her health deteriorated, the District Nursing Team stepped in and were incredibly supportive. We wanted to give something back that would directly help patients. Mum was always practical, so this is exactly the kind of thing she would have wanted.”
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming generosity, Carol’s husband John reflected, “We want to publicly thank everyone who contributed, friends and family from all over the world. Our JustGiving page had a target of £1,000, but we raised over £10,000, which was just incredible.
“We chose to purchase syringe drivers because they are crucial for ensuring comfort in end-of-life care. We also wanted to include a variety of syringe driver bags, featuring designs with sports, animals, flowers and more, to make them feel more personal and friendly for people facing a difficult journey.”
Zara added, “The District Nursing Team was fantastic in caring for Mum. They have such a tough job, seeing so many different patients, yet they were always compassionate and caring. Our family is truly grateful for the support they provided during such a difficult time.”
On behalf of the District Nursing Team, Community Nurse, Craig Campbell expressed his appreciation for the donation and commented, “This generous contribution is truly appreciated. The equipment will make a significant difference to many people in the community. It comes from a wonderful family who took such great care of their mother in a very difficult time.
“These syringe drivers are essential for keeping patients comfortable in their final days, and I think everyone can agree that providing comfort at the end of life is one of the most important things we can do. The impact of this donation will be immeasurable, it is such a wonderful act of kindness.”