A familiar face at Irvinestown Health Centre, Dr Margaret Elliott used her retirement as another way to help people, donating cash received from patients and friends to a number of charities.

On Monday night, Dr Elliott, accompanied by her husband, Cecil, hosted a special reception at the Bawnacre Centre at which she presented gift cheques to the value of £4,500 to six worthy causes with which she has been involved over the years.

The money was raised at a Community Night held in June this year to mark her retirement. Almost 600 attended, and Dr Elliott received a selection of gifts.

She then announced she wished to donate the bulk of voluntary cash donations received from patients and friends to the charities.

The beneficiaries from Dr Elliott's generosity are - Palliative Care; Marie Curie Cancer Care; Christian Aid; Chest, Heart and Stroke; Vision Aid; and Troas Trust.

On Monday night, Dr Elliott expressed her appreciation for the warmth of the support received in recent weeks.

She said she was humbled by the kindness and generosity of so many people and that she was pleased to be able to share this generosity with six caring organisations for their good work.

She also thanked staff at the Bawnacre Centre and the members of the organising committee who are - Bert Johnston; Bernie McArt; Eleanor Armstrong; Phyllis McGarrity; Sandra Spratt Davidson; and Seamus Doris.

In return each of the recipients spoke on behalf of their organisations and thanked Dr Elliott for her donation.