Derry Alliance councillor Rachel Ferguson
Damien Cannin passed away on December 9, 13 years ago.
He was just 25.
Each year since then his family and friends have celebrated his life on that date.
Coronavirus restrictions made that impossible this year, so Damien’s sister Rachael decided to raise money for research that could save or enhance the lives of people with cystic fibrosis.
“My brother Damien was such a huge part of our lives and we miss him so much,” the Alliance representative explained.
“He fell asleep while he was out with his friends and went into a diabetic coma.
“His death was so unexpected and was a great shock, but we take comfort (from the fact)that he went the way he would have wanted – having fun.
“He was the life and soul of the party and he brought a smile to everyone’s face.
“On the tenth anniversary of his death, we held a huge fundraising event.
“Every year we mark his anniversary by coming together and celebrating his life.
“This year we couldn’t do that, so instead I set up a research fundraising page.”
A drug called Orkambi that can help people with cystic fibrosis was made more widely available on the NHS earlier this year.
“The news about Orkambi was fantastic but bittersweet to us as a family because obviously it came too late for Damien,” Ms Ferguson said.
“We can only wonder, if he had been still with us, would it have enhanced his life?
“Orkambi doesn’t work for everyone, which is another reason why continued research is so important.
“Research projects into any number of illnesses have been held back because the charities that support them have been hampered by not being able to fund-raise in the usual way.
“I could think of no better way to celebrate Damien’s life than helping the important work of research into cystic fibrosis.”
To learn more information about cystic fibrosis or to donate money to the Cystic Fibrosis trust, visit: www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/life-with-cystic-fibrosis
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