Ballymena United Youth Academy will hold a gala dinner on Friday 1st April to help raise funds in aid of Melanoma UK which is a charity very close to the hearts of our club and the McAdorey family in particular.
Speaking to the organisers, Youth Academy Under 11 coach, Joshua McAdorey said,
“I’ve been a coach at Ballymena United Youth Academy for the last 4 years and am very honoured that the club has chosen Melanoma UK as it’s charity partner this year. Melanoma UK is a charity very close to my heart – in 2019, my brother John sadly passed away after a brave battle with the disease. Obviously, this was a heart-breaking time for myself and my family, and we still miss John more and more every day.”
John McAdorey was a very successful and well thought of local athlete as Joshua explains,
“The pinnacle of John’s athletic career was representing Ireland in the 4x100m relay at the Sydney Olympic games in 2000 where he was part of the relay team who set an Irish record of 39.26 seconds which still stands today. John also won the Irish 100m title in 2001 and went on to coach the next generation of sprinters after his competitive retirement.”
The McAdorey family fund-raised for the Melanoma UK charity after John’s sad passing and Joshua explained the important work the charity does.
“Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and around 2,500 people die from malignant melanoma every year in the UK. Melanoma UK’s mission is to raise awareness and support patients and their families – just like John – following their diagnosis. Therefore, for the Youth Academy, a cornerstone of the town’s community, to pick the charity as its partner is a fantastic gesture that will help change the lives of those affected by melanoma.”
As well as a delicious five-course meal, entertainment from top Northern Ireland premier four piece band, Mojo and a DJ to round off the nights entertainment we will have a range of exciting prizes on offer in the fundraising raffle, including overnight stay for 2 in the Grand Central, Belfast with breakfast and 2 course dinner, a framed Northern Ireland top signed by Steven Davis, a framed Northern Ireland top signed by Stuart Dallas and an official Carly Wright print.
Looking forward to the night Joshua summed the event up perfectly,
The Gala Dinner promises to be a night of good food, great music and even better company after the challenges of the last few years. But even more importantly, it is an opportunity to raise funds for an extremely worthwhile cause.”
If you’d like to reserve a table or buy tickets, please email buya.galadinner@gmail.com or contact Nikki on 07710525599.
