Dessie McMullan Forget Me Not Fund

“Our dad, known to most as Dessie, was one of life’s characters whom everyone loved. He was kind, thoughtful, generous, loyal and loving to Eleanor, his wife, all his family and friends.

“He was completely his own person, not at all concerned that he was by far the oldest in Ballywillan Praise Group. It delighted him that, thanks to his iconic beard, he was nicknamed Papa Smurf by all the young people in church.

“As anyone who met Dessie knew, he was a huge Manchester United fan. The great S’Alex could do no wrong in his eyes, and we often teased him that he had a hotline to the great man himself.

“For many, many years Des was involved with Cancer Focus NI, an organisation he believed in passionately. Des worked tirelessly on committees in order to make a difference to the lives of those with cancer. He would be delighted that we have set up this forget me not fund in his memory in order to help continue the amazing work that Cancer Focus NI does.

“Des, dad, would also be delighted that we have taken part in Cancer Focus NI challenges as one of the many ways of raising money for his Forget Me Not fund. Dad would be so happy not just that we’re doing the challenges but at the manner in which we’re doing them – family and friends together having a laugh, enjoying the simple pleasures of beautiful views and a cuppa in the car park. Equally important, because dad believed in teamwork, the encouragement of all our family and friends who support us in so many ways as we do the challenges.

“Des believed in doing the simple things well and we know his life made a difference to many, many people. We are thrilled that as we remember our dad, Dessie, in this forget me not fund, his life will continue to make a difference to many, many people through the work of Cancer Focus NI.”

Love Karen, Bill, Janice, Susan, and mum, Eleanor.