Big-hearted Ballymena girl raises £280 to support Children’s Cancer Unit at Spooky Gardens

Olivia and her cousin who made and sold bracelets to raise funds to support The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity through The Spooky Gardens Ballymena

Young fundraiser Olivia Rose Mark inspires visitors as Halloween attraction returns to raise funds for vital children’s charity

A young Ballymena girl has captured hearts this Halloween after raising £280 for The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity through her own handmade creations.

Olivia Rose Mark, who previously donated money she raised by selling sweets, returned to The Spooky Gardens this week — this time with an even greater gift.

Together with her cousin, Olivia sold handmade bracelets to raise the impressive total, which she proudly donated in person to the charity collection at the popular community event.

Olivia’s bracelets she made and sold to raise funds to support The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity through The Spooky Gardens Ballymena

“Tonight at The Spooky Gardens we were totally blown away when Olivia Rose Mark arrived back with her cousin with a donation of £280!!! Along with a donation of handmade bracelets, which they made and sold to raise the funds,” said organisers Kevin and Heather Irwin.

“A massive thank you from The Spooky Gardens — you are both superstars.”

The Spooky Gardens, located at Inishowen Park off the Cullybackey Road, have returned for their third year, once again transforming the local neighbourhood into a Halloween spectacle for a worthy cause.

Run by Kevin and Heather Irwin with their granddaughter Cara, the event attracts families from across Ballymena and beyond to enjoy its spooky lights, eerie decorations and family-friendly atmosphere.

Every penny donated goes directly to The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity, which supports children and families affected by cancer across Northern Ireland.

Last year, the Irwin family presented a cheque for £809 to the charity, thanks to the generosity of visitors — and they’re hoping to raise even more this year with the help of supporters like Olivia.

“We hope you are enjoying our display this year, and remember 100% of your donations goes straight to The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity,” the organisers added.

The gardens are open Monday to Friday from 6pm to 9pm, and weekends from 6pm to 10pm, with visitors encouraged to bring donations, enjoy the display, and tag The Spooky Gardens Ballymena on Facebook when sharing their photos.

Families are reminded that children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

For updates and event details, follow The Spooky Gardens Ballymena on Facebook.