ARCHES raises £5,500 for cancer charities in landmark 30th year

A milestone year for one of Randalstown’s best-loved community organisations has turned into a powerful act of generosity, with Randalstown ARCHES Association raising £5,500 for two cancer charities during its 30th anniversary celebrations.

The funds, raised through a series of events across the anniversary year, have been shared equally between Marie Curie and Charis Cancer Care, with each organisation receiving £2,750.

The charities were chosen for deeply personal reasons — both in support of those living with cancer and in memory of the late George Graham, the long-standing Chairman of ARCHES.

In a year that celebrated three decades of service to the community, the fundraising effort brought together local people, supporters, volunteers and staff in a way that reflected the spirit on which ARCHES has been built.

Community comes together for milestone celebrations

The £5,500 total was raised through a number of anniversary events and activities, including a special Gala Dinner and the production of a 2026 Community Calendar featuring artwork of local scenes.

Both initiatives helped bring the wider Randalstown community together to celebrate 30 years of ARCHES while also supporting two charities that provide essential care and compassion to families facing life-limiting illness.

Speaking at the Gala Dinner, Hannah Moloney, Operations Manager at Randalstown ARCHES Association, shared the deeply personal significance behind the chosen causes.

“As we celebrate 30 years of ARCHES, we’re also using this opportunity to support two wonderful causes. Cancer is, unfortunately, something that will touch the lives of everyone in this room.

“Having fought my own battle with womb cancer over the past few years, the Board very kindly allowed me to choose Charis Cancer Care as one of those causes. They were a huge support to me personally, and I’m delighted they could be part of our celebration.

“In memory of George Graham, we also chose to support Marie Curie, a charity he championed for many years.”

The remarks gave the anniversary celebrations an especially poignant note, highlighting the personal journeys and memories behind the fundraising campaign.

“Built on generosity and kindness”

ARCHES Chairman Peter Boyle said the total raised was a reflection of the generosity that has sustained the organisation for three decades.

“We are incredibly proud to have raised £5,500 during our 30th Anniversary year. This achievement reflects the generosity, kindness and community spirit that ARCHES has been built on over the past three decades.

“We would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported our events, donated, volunteered or helped in any way — this simply would not have been possible without you.”

Cheque presentations took place at ARCHES, bringing together representatives from both charities alongside board members, staff and local supporters.

Looking to the future

As ARCHES moves beyond its 30th anniversary year, the organisation says it remains committed to building on its long-standing legacy of community development, inclusion and support across Randalstown and the surrounding area.

For many in the town, the £5,500 raised is more than a fundraising figure — it is a reflection of the compassion, resilience and togetherness that continue to define ARCHES after 30 years.

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At a glance

• ARCHES has raised £5,500 during its 30th anniversary year

• Funds are being split between Marie Curie and Charis Cancer Care

• Each charity will receive £2,750

• Money was raised through a Gala Dinner and 2026 community calendar

• The charities were chosen for personal and commemorative reasons

• The fundraising honours late former chairman George Graham

• Cheque presentations took place at ARCHES in Randalstown

• The organisation says it remains focused on community support for the future