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Shopping centre to hold charity event in memory of cancer victim Katherine Neil

More than £17,000 has been raised for charity since the death of Katherine Neill 
More than £17,000 has been raised for charity since the death of Katherine Neill  More than £17,000 has been raised for charity since the death of Katherine Neill 

A SHOPPING centre is hosting a special fundraising event in memory of a Co Down teenager who died last month from an aggressive form of cancer, just days after receiving her A-level results.

Katherine Neill (18), from Banbridge, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in July 2015.

Sarcomas affect the bones, muscles and cartilage of the sufferer and treatment can be extremely debilitating.

After a brave, year-long battle with the disease, Katherine died at her home on August 25 surrounded by loved ones.

Just days before her death, the Banbridge Academy pupil was notified of success in her A-levels exams.

Several of her teachers had donated their time to tutor Katherine at her home while she underwent treatment.

A charity coffee, cake sale and fashion event is now being held at Buttercrane Shopping Centre in Newry on Saturday October 1 to raise money for the Boom Foundation, dedicated to helping people with rare forms of cancer like Katherine's.

In 2015, the teenager was the runner-up of the 2015 Face of Buttercrane event, but was unable to take part in any of the planned activities the role involved due to her diagnosis.

Peter Murray, centre manager at Buttercrane, said all donations would be greatly appreciated.

“I kept in touch with Katherine over the past year, and was always amazed at her positivity in the face of adversity and was shocked to learn of her passing,” he said.

“She was a beautiful young girl in every sense of the word, even getting an A* and an A in her A level results a week before she died.

"Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated by the Neill family, the Boom Foundation and myself.”

Katherine’s parents Rosin and Gary Neill started a JustGiving campaign in memory of their daughter, which has so far raised more than £17,000.

The Boom Foundation is a volunteer-led charity that provides care and support for those suffering from sarcomas. Donations help to fund support groups and respite care for those affected.