Groggan Primary School raises over £7,700 for Cancer Focus NI in memory of local dad Gavin Nicholas

Groggan Primary School has raised an impressive £7,700.17 for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, following a vibrant community fun day held in April in memory of Randalstown man Gavin Nicholas, a beloved husband and father of one of the school’s pupils.

The heartfelt fundraiser, hosted on Friday 4th April, saw the school transformed into a hub of joy, generosity and unity.

Organised by staff, pupils and families, the event brought together the entire Groggan community in support of Cancer Focus NI and to honour the life of Gavin, who sadly passed away from stage four secondary melanoma cancer in February 2024 at the age of just 39.

A Day of Fun and Fundraising

The packed day featured an exercise bike challenge, family entertainment, special visitors, sweet treats, and a raffle with impressive prizes.

Volunteers cycled in 15-minute shifts throughout the school day, cheered on by pupils, parents, and staff, creating a powerful symbol of community resilience and collective action.

Raffle ticket sales, an online donation page, and open invitations for local residents to enjoy “coffee, some treats and a chat” added to the event’s success. It was a day fuelled not only by fundraising efforts but also by compassion and remembrance.

All proceeds have been added to the Gavin Nicholas Forget Me Not Fund, which helps to fund the essential work of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. This includes support services for families affected by cancer, counselling, community outreach, and pioneering cancer research.

Remembering Gavin

Gavin’s wife, Charlotte, bravely shared their story:

“Gavin had a mole on his neck that started to become uncomfortable in December 2021 and after attending his GP and having some checks at the hospital, he was diagnosed with a cancerous melanoma. Thinking back, I feel like I was a little naïve and wasn’t that worried. I thought he would be fine. He was young and healthy, and he was quickly scheduled for surgery and the mole was removed.”

However, 18 months later, Gavin began experiencing severe headaches. Following further tests, the cancer was found to have spread to his brain and lungs.

“After receiving the news, everything went into slow motion and my world just crumbled. It was impossible to imagine life without Gavin,” Charlotte continued.

“There was no chemotherapy or radiotherapy for him. The only thing available was a course of drugs to help slow the spread of the cancer, to give Gavin as much time as possible with his girls. The side effects of the drugs meant that he lost his mobility and speech, but even in his worst moments, Gavin never complained. He was so strong and that helped to keep me going.”

Gavin died peacefully at home on 11 February 2024, surrounded by his family.

A School and Community United

Groggan Primary School Principal Cathy Humphrey expressed immense pride in the community’s efforts and the impact of the fundraising:

“A huge thank you to all of our parents, friends and local businesses who have made this possible. Jamie, from Cancer Focus NI told the children that £58 will support a family with a loved one with a cancer diagnosis for one hour.

“We raised an amazing £7,700.71 which will pay for 132 hours of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. Just incredible – thank you!”

The school added that Cancer Focus NI had been “an amazing support to one of our Groggan families after the death of their much-loved Daddy”, capturing the deep emotional significance of the day.

A Lasting Legacy

This moving act of generosity demonstrates the powerful role that schools and communities play in supporting families through grief, while raising awareness and funding for vital health charities.

Groggan Primary School’s fun day was far more than a fundraiser — it was a tribute, a moment on a journey of healing, and a symbol of enduring support for families facing unimaginable challenges.

Gavin Nicholas’s memory lives on through the kindness and commitment of all who took part.