Former Mayor pays tribute to public’s generosity as he raises over £80k for chosen charities
16 July 2026
Former Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, has thanked the public for their ‘overwhelming generosity’ as he handed over cheques of over £40,000 to his chosen charities for his year in office.
Councillor McHugh this week presented the cheques to representatives from PIPS Suicide Prevention and the Castlederg Patient Comfort and Terminally Ill Fund at the Guildhall.
A total of £81,580 was raised through online donations, bucket collections, event sponsors and community events across the City and District including his Mayor’s Swim and Hyrox Simulation events which he took part in himself.
“As the dust settles on my year in office, I’ve had time to reflect on the public’s overwhelming generosity in support of my two brilliant charities who offer critical front end support to those in need in our community,” he said.
“It was truly humbling that so many people gave their time, made donations and offered sponsorship in support of the charities and it was the most touching aspect of my year in office.
“From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you all for your selfless support, the funds you have helped raise will go directly towards supporting people who are unwell and are in crisis across our Council area.
“A special thank you to all the volunteers who gave their time and expertise to help coordinate events and collections throughout the year, you are the embodiment of the spirit that makes this City and District such a wonderful place to live in.”
During his 12 months in office, bucket collections at the Millennium Forum Pantomime, the Mayor’s Flag Days, the Mayor’s Tea Dances and other community events all helped swell the total raised.
The Mayor’s Christmas Charity Party and the Mayor’s Charity Ball at the end of his term and a fundraising night at the Sportsman’s Inn in Castlederg all helped add to the significant total raised.
Mayor McHugh also separately raised £15,500.76 through his UNICEF Gaza Appeal for Children in Crisis to mark UNICEF’s World Children’s Day where schools, community groups, voluntary groups and local businesses organised their own events to support the children and young people affected by the conflict.
The PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity provides essential support to individuals, families, and communities affected by suicide, self-harm, or poor mental health.
They offer free, unlimited, and confidential counselling services, as well as a crisis walk-in centre in Belfast and telephone support at other regional hubs.
Their dedicated team works to support those in crisis and to promote mental wellbeing across the region.
The Castlederg Patient Comfort and Terminally Ill Fund, delivers vital aid to people living with chronic or terminal illness in the Castlederg area.
By providing specialist equipment, transport support, and access to complementary services, the Fund helps individuals remain at home during treatment while also easing the financial and emotional burden on families.
It also supports those who need temporary accommodation near hospitals when their loved ones are receiving treatment elsewhere.