30.09.2026
Our recent Macmillan Coffee Morning was a wonderful celebration of community, friendship and remembrance. Held in memory of Christine Galbraith, RIP, the event brought people together at Ashford Place and raised £700—and counting—for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The morning reflected so much of what Ashford Place means to the older Irish community we are proud to serve. Over many years, service users have formed deep and enduring connections with Ashford Place, finding friendship, familiarity and a strong sense of belonging. It is a place where shared heritage is celebrated, memories are kept alive and people can come together for events that bring joy, comfort and companionship. Christine was part of that story for many years. A regular participant in our activities for older Irish people, she was one of the first service users our CEO, Renee, got to know. Christine and her friends filled Ashford Place with warmth and great fun, inspiring the next generation of Irish women who came through our doors as staff, volunteers and service users. When Christine’s cancer returned in 2021, she faced it with her characteristic stoicism and good humour. She asked Renee to continue her annual Macmillan fundraiser and, from that request, a much-loved Ashford Place tradition was born—one that has grown year after year. Christine’s daughter continues to contribute annually, helping us preserve a treasured connection with her family and honour Christine’s memory. This year, guests, staff and volunteers gathered over tea, coffee and homemade cakes, while a raffle and jumble sale added laughter, generosity and plenty of community spirit to the day.
Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who donated, baked, volunteered or joined us on the day. Your support made the Coffee Morning a tremendous success and demonstrated once again the strength of the connections at Ashford Place. We are privileged to offer a welcoming space where older Irish people, their families and the wider community can meet, celebrate, remember friends and make new memories together.
