Duffy helps celebrate the life of brave fan

BIG-HEARTED Keith Duffy proved he never forgets a fan when he turned out for a posthumous celebration of the life of one of his most special admirers.

The actor and former Boyzone star stepped out to join the family and friends of Margaret McLoughlin in remembering the plucky young Dubliner whose legacy has been a fundraising campaign for others who face the same challenges she did.

Yesterday would have been Margaret’s 29th birthday but she passed away in 2003. She had Down Syndrome and since her death her family have been fundraising for various organisations that provide support and assistance for people with Down Syndrome and their families.

They used the occasion of Margaret’s birthday to celebrate reaching the landmark figure of €100,000 and to thank all those who have supported their cause.

Their supporters were in action as recently as the bank holiday weekend, running the women’s mini marathon, and they have a number of other fundraisers up their sleeve for the coming months.

Keith was Margaret’s favourite star and she proved she had impeccable taste. The celebrity dad has become a strong voice for special needs children since discovering his own little girl has autism.

He said he was delighted to lend his support, knowing the difference the hand of friendship could make to families trying to do their best for a child who needed special care.

The Margaret McLoughlin Fund was set up by Margaret’s parents, Joan and Tony, from Dalkey, Co. Dublin. Her sister, Louise, and brothers, Kieran and David, are also involved in supporting the initiative.

Money contributed to the fund is administered by the Ireland Funds which had distributed charitable donations among 1,200 voluntary groups over the years. Anyone who would like to help can contact the Ireland Funds on 01-6627878.