Sponsor a Day, Share a Story
Every day in December tells a story. By sponsoring a day in our Advent Calendar, you can honour someone special with a heartfelt message, photo, or memory. Your dedication will help support the vital work of OGCancerNI while celebrating the lives, journeys, and loved ones who inspire us.
Each day in December the next window will open and a story about someone affected by Stomach and Oesophageal Cancer will be told.
Kathleen Costello
To Kathleen,
Kathleen Costello: Our 16th Christmas without you mummy, the most gentle, selfless soul. Keep watching over Daddy xxxxx
From S Miskelly <3
25Terry McArdle
To Terry ,
Today, the McArdle family remembers Terry, whose love filled our home. On this special day, we cherish his laughter, his warmth, and the memories of birthdays—Mummy, Gareth, Cora, and Ruairi. Though he is gone, his spirit lights our hearts this Christmas season and always.
From Paul McArdle – 18 <3
18 £10.00Sally McKenna
To Sally ,
My mummy passed on Monday, 14th July 2025. This will be our first Christmas without her. The OG community has been so supportive to me and my family since her passing. I am forever grateful for the condolences, kind words, thoughts and prayers. She was a wonderful lady!
From Sarah Rice <3
5 £10.00Paul Donaghy
To Paul,
Paul was a loving family man who was dedicated to his church. He was selfless, always on hand to help and made a great sunday dinner. He had a short illness with oesophageal cancer but had peace that he was saved by God and would be going to heaven.
From Rebekah Wilson-Gray – 9 <3
9 £10.00Anna Taggart
To Anna,
Missing you always ❤️
From Debbie Burch – 2 <3
2 £10.00Anna Taggart
To Anna,
Taken away too soon. Christmas was your favourite time of year. Miss you so much Love Dad x
From John Taggart – 24 <3
24 £10.00Greg
To Greg,
Greg, the best husband I could have ever wished for
Love you forever my darling
from Jill xx
From Greg <3
25Anna Taggart
To Anna ,
You’re in my thoughts everyday and that’s how it will always be. You may be up in heaven now but will always be with me xx Love Mum ❤️
From Ruth Taggart – 8 <3
8 £10.00Ian
To Ian ,
At Christmas Time, In Loving Memory of My Brother Ian, Only A Thought Away… From Your Sister Angela
From Angela O’Neill for Ian – 19 <3
19 £10.00Helen Davis
To Helen,
A diagnosis may have brought Helen and I together, but it is the friendship we’ve built that truly binds us. Sharing similar experiences in life and treatment has created a connection I treasure deeply. Helen’s strength, determination and unwavering optimism inspire me every day. I’m so grateful to have her by my side.
From Jemma Kettyle – 13 <3
13 £10.00Brian Quinn
To Brian,
In memory of my dear husband, the heart of our family, who passed away in 2019 after being diagnosed with OG cancer at the end of 2016. With a smile that lit up our world, he made the most of every moment and never gave up the fight while selflessly thinking of others before himself.
From Fiona Quinn – 21 <3
21Sammy Currie
To Sammy,
Diagnosed in 2021 with a tumour in his oesophagus that was discovered to be inoperable during surgery, we could never have imagined that four years later we would still be blessed to have Dad with us. The incredible advances in treatment, the hard work and dedication of the medical teams, and Dad’s own fierce determination and courage have given us precious time that we once feared we’d lose. Every memory we make now feels like a gift, every shared moment a reminder of his strength. We will continue to stand by his side, filled with pride and love.
With charities like this, I hope many more families are able to hold on to extra time with the people they love and feel supported through these difficult chapters of their lives. Thank you for the work that you do and the awareness you are raising!
From Samantha Brownlee – 6 <3
6 £10.00Jemma Kettyle
To Jemma,
I turn 40 today, and this birthday I’m feeling especially lucky. Three years after my diagnosis, I am blessed to be strong, well and living life to the fullest — thanks to the care of our health service, the love of God, and the invaluable support of OGcancerNI and other charities. I’m celebrating today with hope, joy, and a heart full of gratitude.
From Jemma Kettyle – 10 <3
10 £10.00Cahal Keown (Snr)
To Cahal,
On behalf of all of us at Northern Switchgear we mark today in memory of Cahal Keown Senior. Wonderful Husband, Father and employer who passed away in 2024. A previous Oesophageal cancer patient, he was a passionate supporter of OGCancerNI.
From Northern Switchgear – 1 <3
1Joe Smyth
To Joe,
Merry Christmas Dad❤️We all love and miss you so much. We know you’re always with us and we hope we’re making you proud❤️
From Ann-Marie Smyth – 4 <3
4 £10.00Anna Taggart
To Anna,
Never a day goes without thinking about you . Missed so much . Xxx
From Natasha Dorrian – 17 <3
17 £10.00Frances Hill
To Frances,
In loving memory of Frances Hill, our brave shining star who always made Christmas special for everyone. We miss you more than words can say, not just today but every day. We hope you have your Santa earrings on! Love from your Little Weeds xxxx
From Sonia Hill – 16 <3
16 £10.00Anna Taggart
To Anna ,
Miss you everyday ❤️
From Samantha Downey – 11 <3
11 £10.00Brian McGrath
To Brian ,
Just before Christmas, 2023, on an ordinary Saturday morning, our world was turned upside down, when my husband Brian was diagnosed with Oesophageal and stomach cancer. (This picture was taken shortly after his diagnosis) Brian went through very difficult chemotherapy sessions, before major surgery, where his whole stomach, part of his oesophagus, and lymph nodes were removed! This was then followed by more chemotherapy, and Brian had a severe reaction to treatment, so it was it was decided it was too big of a risk for chemotherapy to continue. We then had an anxious wait to see if the treatment was successful and it was!!
We will be forever indebted to the staff on the Northwest Cancer Centre, where Brian received his treatment and Dr. Kennedy and his team in Belfast Cancer centre, who preformed his life saving surgery and the amazing volunteers of OGCancerNI, who were always there, and continue to be, for advice and support.
We are all so proud of Brian’s strength, courage and resilience throughout his illness and he continues to make us proud with his recovery.
Brian has now seen our oldest daughter become a Mum, and adores his little grandson, he’s seen our son graduate, our second daughter start university and our youngest son, start secondary school.
We now make every day count, we enjoy the little things and always appreciate how precious and delicate life is and how it can change in an instant! I hope his story gives others hope. We know how lucky we are and not everyone has had such a positive outcome. For anyone going through the journey, please always have faith that better days are coming and never lose hope, as that’s what will keep you going through the most difficult days.From Linda McGrath – 15 <3
15 £10.00Joe O'Hagan
To Joe ,
Life will never be the same without you Joe. You were a loving, caring husband, father and grandad. We love and miss you so much💜
From Joe O’Hagan <3
25Fiona Wright' parents
To Fiona ,
In memory of Mum and Dad.
I will keep fighting for you both.
Fiona
From Fiona Wright parents <3
25Alastair Williamson
To Alastair ,
A much loved and dearly missed husband, dad and papa bear ❤️
From Jayne Hill – 7 <3
7 £10.00Anna Taggart
To Anna,
Merry Christmas to my beautiful wee sister you will be the shining star on top of the tree this year. Love a miss you loads xx ❤️
From Karen Pulford – 23 <3
23 £10.00Joyce Smith
To Joyce,
This is for my amazing Mum who was my best friend and was always there for me. I miss her so much, she died January 2010 from lung cancer and I nursed her for her last 6 months of life. This is a photo of her and myself on a holiday many years ago to her home of Aberdeen in Scotland. Lovely memories which I carry with me, till we meet again Mum xx
From Cherie Anderson – 20 <3
20 £10.00
Joe O'Hagan
To Joe ,
Life will never be the same without you Joe. You were a loving, caring husband, father and grandad. We love and miss you so much💜
From Joe O’Hagan <3
25Mark Fulton
To Mark,
Our beloved Mark Fulton who we lost in 2022.
He was The Best of Us. The funniest, kindest, most selfless soul. We miss him every minute of every day.
From Mark Fulton <3
25Kathleen Costello
To Kathleen,
Kathleen Costello: Our 16th Christmas without you mummy, the most gentle, selfless soul. Keep watching over Daddy xxxxx
From S Miskelly <3
25Fiona Wright' parents
To Fiona ,
In memory of Mum and Dad.
I will keep fighting for you both.
Fiona
From Fiona Wright parents <3
25Greg
To Greg,
Greg, the best husband I could have ever wished for
Love you forever my darling
from Jill xx
From Greg <3
25Terry McArdle
To Terry ,
Today, the McArdle family remembers Terry, whose love filled our home. On this special day, we cherish his laughter, his warmth, and the memories of birthdays—Mummy, Gareth, Cora, and Ruairi. Though he is gone, his spirit lights our hearts this Christmas season and always.
From Paul McArdle – 18 <3
18 £10.00Kim Duggan
To Kim ,
Kim Duggan, the world’s best mum, nanny, daughter. Missed every day!
From Cara Ghiglieri – 12 <3
12 £10.00Ian
To Ian ,
At Christmas Time, In Loving Memory of My Brother Ian, Only A Thought Away… From Your Sister Angela
From Angela O’Neill for Ian – 19 <3
19 £10.00Frances Hill
To Frances,
In loving memory of Frances Hill, our brave shining star who always made Christmas special for everyone. We miss you more than words can say, not just today but every day. We hope you have your Santa earrings on! Love from your Little Weeds xxxx
From Sonia Hill – 16 <3
16 £10.00Brian McGrath
To Brian ,
Just before Christmas, 2023, on an ordinary Saturday morning, our world was turned upside down, when my husband Brian was diagnosed with Oesophageal and stomach cancer. (This picture was taken shortly after his diagnosis) Brian went through very difficult chemotherapy sessions, before major surgery, where his whole stomach, part of his oesophagus, and lymph nodes were removed! This was then followed by more chemotherapy, and Brian had a severe reaction to treatment, so it was it was decided it was too big of a risk for chemotherapy to continue. We then had an anxious wait to see if the treatment was successful and it was!!
We will be forever indebted to the staff on the Northwest Cancer Centre, where Brian received his treatment and Dr. Kennedy and his team in Belfast Cancer centre, who preformed his life saving surgery and the amazing volunteers of OGCancerNI, who were always there, and continue to be, for advice and support.
We are all so proud of Brian’s strength, courage and resilience throughout his illness and he continues to make us proud with his recovery.
Brian has now seen our oldest daughter become a Mum, and adores his little grandson, he’s seen our son graduate, our second daughter start university and our youngest son, start secondary school.
We now make every day count, we enjoy the little things and always appreciate how precious and delicate life is and how it can change in an instant! I hope his story gives others hope. We know how lucky we are and not everyone has had such a positive outcome. For anyone going through the journey, please always have faith that better days are coming and never lose hope, as that’s what will keep you going through the most difficult days.From Linda McGrath – 15 <3
15 £10.00Joyce Smith
To Joyce,
This is for my amazing Mum who was my best friend and was always there for me. I miss her so much, she died January 2010 from lung cancer and I nursed her for her last 6 months of life. This is a photo of her and myself on a holiday many years ago to her home of Aberdeen in Scotland. Lovely memories which I carry with me, till we meet again Mum xx
From Cherie Anderson – 20 <3
20 £10.00Sammy Currie
To Sammy,
Diagnosed in 2021 with a tumour in his oesophagus that was discovered to be inoperable during surgery, we could never have imagined that four years later we would still be blessed to have Dad with us. The incredible advances in treatment, the hard work and dedication of the medical teams, and Dad’s own fierce determination and courage have given us precious time that we once feared we’d lose. Every memory we make now feels like a gift, every shared moment a reminder of his strength. We will continue to stand by his side, filled with pride and love.
With charities like this, I hope many more families are able to hold on to extra time with the people they love and feel supported through these difficult chapters of their lives. Thank you for the work that you do and the awareness you are raising!
From Samantha Brownlee – 6 <3
6 £10.00Paul Donaghy
To Paul,
Paul was a loving family man who was dedicated to his church. He was selfless, always on hand to help and made a great sunday dinner. He had a short illness with oesophageal cancer but had peace that he was saved by God and would be going to heaven.
From Rebekah Wilson-Gray – 9 <3
9 £10.00Cahal Keown (Snr)
To Cahal,
On behalf of all of us at Northern Switchgear we mark today in memory of Cahal Keown Senior. Wonderful Husband, Father and employer who passed away in 2024. A previous Oesophageal cancer patient, he was a passionate supporter of OGCancerNI.
From Northern Switchgear – 1 <3
1Anna Taggart
To Anna,
Never a day goes without thinking about you . Missed so much . Xxx
From Natasha Dorrian – 17 <3
17 £10.00Brian Quinn
To Brian,
In memory of my dear husband, the heart of our family, who passed away in 2019 after being diagnosed with OG cancer at the end of 2016. With a smile that lit up our world, he made the most of every moment and never gave up the fight while selflessly thinking of others before himself.
From Fiona Quinn – 21 <3
21Anna Taggart
To Anna ,
Miss you everyday ❤️
From Samantha Downey – 11 <3
11 £10.00Anna Taggart
To Anna,
Miss you always 💛
From Stacey Burch – 14 <3
14 £10.00Anna Taggart
To Anna ,
You’re in my thoughts everyday and that’s how it will always be. You may be up in heaven now but will always be with me xx Love Mum ❤️
From Ruth Taggart – 8 <3
8 £10.00Anna Taggart
To Anna,
Taken away too soon. Christmas was your favourite time of year. Miss you so much Love Dad x
From John Taggart – 24 <3
24 £10.00Anna Taggart
To Anna,
Merry Christmas to my beautiful wee sister you will be the shining star on top of the tree this year. Love a miss you loads xx ❤️
From Karen Pulford – 23 <3
23 £10.00Anna Taggart
To Anna,
Missing you always ❤️
From Debbie Burch – 2 <3
2 £10.00Anna Taggart
To Anna ,
“In memory of my wonderful sister Anna, who sadly passed away on 22nd December 2024. It’s hard to believe it’s a year without you, you were more than just my family, you were my special friend. An inspiration to us all. Love and miss you everyday x”
From Naomi Montgomery – 22 <3
22 £10.00Alastair Williamson
To Alastair ,
A much loved and dearly missed husband, dad and papa bear ❤️
From Jayne Hill – 7 <3
7 £10.00Helen Davis
To Helen,
A diagnosis may have brought Helen and I together, but it is the friendship we’ve built that truly binds us. Sharing similar experiences in life and treatment has created a connection I treasure deeply. Helen’s strength, determination and unwavering optimism inspire me every day. I’m so grateful to have her by my side.
From Jemma Kettyle – 13 <3
13 £10.00Deborah G
To Deborah,
Deborah embodies strength, resilience, and compassion. At a time when my world changed, she took my hand and helped me navigate each step with grace, kindness, and wisdom. She is not just a guide, but a lifelong friend—and I am so grateful our paths crossed.
From Jemma Kettyle -3 <3
3 £10.00Joe Smyth
To Joe,
Merry Christmas Dad❤️We all love and miss you so much. We know you’re always with us and we hope we’re making you proud❤️
From Ann-Marie Smyth – 4 <3
4 £10.00Jemma Kettyle
To Jemma,
I turn 40 today, and this birthday I’m feeling especially lucky. Three years after my diagnosis, I am blessed to be strong, well and living life to the fullest — thanks to the care of our health service, the love of God, and the invaluable support of OGcancerNI and other charities. I’m celebrating today with hope, joy, and a heart full of gratitude.
From Jemma Kettyle – 10 <3
10 £10.00Sally McKenna
To Sally ,
My mummy passed on Monday, 14th July 2025. This will be our first Christmas without her. The OG community has been so supportive to me and my family since her passing. I am forever grateful for the condolences, kind words, thoughts and prayers. She was a wonderful lady!
From Sarah Rice <3
5 £10.00