Gerry Kelly praised for support of charitable causes: 'A very hands on President of NI Children to Lapland'
Tributes have been to late broadcaster Gerry Kelly by just some of those engaged in charity work that Gerry Kelly gave his time to.
The NI Children To Lapland Trust said he had been a trustee and board member since it was formed in 2008 and “a very hands on president” since 2019.
His death robbed them of “a true friend” and his “wise counsel and presence will be sadly missed, but the memories of the fun and laughter we shared will live on” it added.
Gail Eastwood from Donaghadee said that her son, Joshua, decided to run a marathon every day in May 2021 to raise money for Cancer Research UK and the NI Children to Lapland Trust.
“He had never run a marathon in his life before,” she said. “I will always remember how Gerry stood behind Joshua during his incredible challenge of running a marathon every day throughout the month. His encouragement and belief meant so much.”
Gerry was also vice-president of Youth Action NI, a former president of Youth Net, a member of the Prince`s Youth Business Trust fundraising committee and a council member of Co-operation Ireland.
He was honorary president of Heartbeat and president of the NI branch of the Lords Taverners. He also worked closely with the Enniskillen Bursary Awards Scheme, a Chernobyl charity and the Northern Ireland Children`s Hospice.
Hundreds of people paid tribute on social media, among whom were Ballymacarrett Defenders Flute Band.
“Gerry welcomed our band onto ‘The Kelly Show’ in 1995, shortly after we were crowned international champions,” they said. “We extend our sincere condolences to Gerry's family, friends and all who knew him.”