Fermanagh man remembered in 'colourful' fancy dress walk to honour his memory
The memorial walk, known as the 'Stairway to Heaven,' was held on July 26 to commemorate what would have been Tom's 50th birthday.
Tom had been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2018 at the age of 43.
The disease is a life-limiting lung condition that ultimately took his life in September 2024 at age 49.
The walk, with its steep boardwalk and stairway, represented the daily struggles faced by those living with pulmonary fibrosis.
(Image: Pulmonary Fibrosis NI) Participants were encouraged to dress up in fancy dress for the walk.
Characters such as Dolly Parton, Madonna, and even an alien made an appearance, bringing "colour and craic as Tom would have loved."
Organisers expressed their gratitude for the support given and highlighted the importance of raising awareness of pulmonary fibrosis, the disease that had such a huge impact on Tom's life.
(Image: Pulmonary Fibrosis NI) They said: "In Tom's 49 years on this earth, he left footprints in countless hearts.
"It brought us great comfort to walk in his memory, raising awareness for pulmonary fibrosis – the cruel, life-limiting lung disease that stole Tommy from us last September.
"We are deeply grateful to everyone who braved the mountain with us, (it was no mean feat) especially those who donned fancy dress to bring colour and craic as Tom would have loved."
(Image: Pulmonary Fibrosis NI) Thanks were extended to those who donated and raised funds for Pulmonary Fibrosis NI, an organisation that provides vital support to patients, their carers, and bereaved families.
The organisers said: "We are indebted to those who have donated generously and gathered sponsorship to continue the invaluable work of Pulmonary Fibrosis NI, who were a lifeline to Tom and our family during his illness and since his death."
Following the walk, participants gathered at JT Ryan's Bar to raise a glass in Tom's memory.
(Image: Pulmonary Fibrosis NI) There, they shared stories and listened to his favourite song, "I Love This Bar."
The organisers also expressed their gratitude to the friends, family, and neighbours who joined them, as well as those who sent messages of support.
They added: "Thank you to friends, family, and neighbours who joined us in JT Ryan's Bar afterwards to raise a glass (or two) in Tom's memory, where we reminisced and listened to his favourite song 'I Love This Bar'.
"Thank you to those who sent messages of love and support – every word meant the world."
(Image: Pulmonary Fibrosis NI) The organisers' final note of thanks was directed at all who have supported them throughout Tom's pulmonary fibrosis journey and continue to stand by them in their grief.
They said: "And finally, thank you to everyone who has walked alongside us on Tom's pulmonary fibrosis journey, and continue to do so through our grief."
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