By Dylan Hayler
In late 2025 Dylan, a journalism student from the University of Ulster, contacted OGCancerNI, as he wished to write a community centred news piece on the Cambridge House Christmas Fair. Please see his final article below. Well done Dylan!
Cambridge House Grammar School are set to remember their late
principal Elma Lutton by raising money for Oesophageal and Gastric
Cancer at this year’s Christmas Market.
Having retired in 2020 after nearly 50 years of service to the community, Elma Lutton left a
lasting legacy upon Ballymena. Her passing this August brought about sadness and grief, the
town losing an iconic figure of whom had such an impact on many people’s lives.
In 2019, Mrs. L McQuillan, the Head of Business Studies at Cambridge House Grammar
School, founded the yearly Christmas Market. It was aimed at making coursework more
meaningful, practical, and community focused. Blending enterprise, creativity, and community
spirit.
Lauren said that the school wanted to honour their beloved late principal, “Mrs. Lutton was an
outstanding leader… we felt it was important to honour her in a way that reflects the warmth
and compassion she brought to our school community.”
Lauren explains to students that fundraising is an opportunity to use their skills for something
bigger than themselves. “When we support a charity like OGCancerNI, especially in memory
of someone who was so valued in our school, it helps students understand the impact their
efforts can have… It teaches empathy, leadership, and social responsibility.”
Students are central to every stage of the Christmas Market, taking responsibility for planning,
budgeting, vendor communication, marketing, and event management. “Their enthusiasm and
professionalism are the reason the market continues to succeed”, with Lauren’s favourite part
being the school community, local families, and small businesses coming together in a positive
and festive atmosphere.
OGCancerNI provides crucial support to individuals and families affected by Oesophageal
and Gastric cancer, offering guidance, raising awareness, and funding research that saves lives.
“By supporting them, we not only honour the memory of Elma, but also contribute to a charity
that carries out truly meaningful work across Northern Ireland.”
Helen Setterfield, Chairperson for OGCancer NI, thanked the Cambridge House Community
for their work. “Your passion and dedication to OGCancer NI is vital. Your support provides
us the opportunity to continue to assist all those affected by Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer:
a recognised less survivable cancer. We wish to change that scenario!”
“The donations received from the Cambridge House Christmas Market will provide OGCancerNI the opportunity to continue to provide our support services, throughout NI. The impact of
loneliness from a cancer diagnosis and treatment is devastating.”, “We wish to extend our
services to ensure patients are not walking their cancer journey alone. This may be through
additional social gatherings or peer phone calls, all of which will require resources to achieve.”
“Cancer unfortunately affects most of us in one way or another.
Having support when going through these difficult times really does
make a difference, not just to the patient themselves, but also to their
family members and loved ones.”
Going into 2026, OGCancerNI will continue to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms
of Oesophageal and Gastric Cancers throughout Northern Ireland, by educating the public
and promoting early detection through campaigns, resources, and community outreach to
improve survival rates. They want to make sure every voice is heard and every patient
receives the care they deserve.
This Christmas Market is more than a market; it’s an event that aims to make a difference in
memoriam of a local figure. The Work that Lauren, pupils, and staff put in helps to make the
community a better and brighter place.
Help support the cause by attending the Christmas Market on the 16th of December at
Cambridge House Grammar School in Ballymena. Your support will be greatly appreciated
and help change the lives of those affected by Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer
