Fundraising legacy of late Mayor Beth Adger MBE delivers £17,000 boost to local charities

Alderman William McCaughey with representatives from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Air Ambulance NI and Alderman Beth Adger MBE’s family – including husband Tommy, daughter and granddaughters.

Two charities chosen by the late Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, have received a combined £17,000 thanks to a wide range of fundraising initiatives carried out during her term in office.

Mrs Adger, a long-serving councillor and well-known public figure who passed away in March 2025, had selected Air Ambulance NI and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust as her official Mayoral charities.

The money raised was divided equally and presented to both organisations at a special event in The Braid this week.

The presentation was made by Alderman William McCaughey, who stepped in as Mayor following Mrs Adger’s passing, alongside members of her family.

Throughout her year in office, Mrs Adger worked tirelessly to generate funds and awareness for both causes. She attended a wide range of community events, including Halloween and Christmas celebrations, while also receiving generous donations from local businesses, organisations and individuals.

Following her passing, Alderman McCaughey continued the fundraising drive, raising thousands more at a special charity dinner held in May.

Paying tribute, Alderman McCaughey said:

“Beth was a dedicated public servant who gave her all to this Borough. Her passion and commitment were evident in everything she did, and it is a testament to her legacy that so much was raised for these very worthy causes.

“I thank everyone who supported the fundraising activities and played their part in helping these two special charities who provide so much help in times of need.”

Air Ambulance NI, which provides vital pre-hospital emergency care across Northern Ireland, said the donation will make a lasting difference.

Katrina Hughes, Area Fundraising Manager with Air Ambulance NI, said:

“We are deeply grateful to have been chosen as one of the late Alderman Beth Adger MBE’s Mayoral charities.

“Beth’s unwavering dedication and compassion was evident in her tireless fundraising and commitment to helping others, even during her own time of need.

“This generous donation in her memory will help our team continue to deliver critical, life-saving care across Northern Ireland. Beth’s legacy of service and kindness will continue to make a difference for many years to come.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the UK’s leading charity supporting people with the genetic condition, also expressed their thanks.

Beverley Burnham-Jones, Head of Community and Events Fundraising at Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful that Alderman Adger chose Cystic Fibrosis Trust as one of her Mayoral charities. This wonderful donation in memory of Beth will allow us to provide emotional, physical, and financial support to everyone with cystic fibrosis and their families, it will also enable us to fund lifesaving research.

“Heartfelt thanks for helping us move closer to a future free from the limits of cystic fibrosis.”

The £17,000 raised stands as a tribute to Alderman Adger’s dedication to public service, ensuring that her compassion and commitment will continue to support vital causes in her community.