Carlisle’s staff in charity hike in memory of much-loved Pat

Carlisle’s staff in charity hike in memory of much-loved Pat

5 May 2021

ONE hundred staff and friends at Carlisle’s in Ballynahinch are each walking five miles this week on a sponsored walk in honour of a much-loved colleague who died last month.

Pat Greene, who was from Saintfield, died on April 7, much to the shock and sorrow of everyone at the business.

The 45 year-old had worked for Carlisle’s for 30 years, starting off as a coal boy, going on to work in all areas of the business and finishing as a work supervisor.

Donna Carlisle explained that Pat loved The Proclaimers song I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) and it inspired the charity effort from staff members, past and present, and their partners.

“It was Pat’s favourite song and it had to be on the playlist at all our party nights when we raised money for various cancer charities. Raising money for these charities was always important to Patrick as his mother sadly passed away from the disease when he was young,” she said.

“He never missed any of the parties and when The Proclaimers came on I always remember Pat taking centre stage and all of us had to follow him and his actions and it was always very important we did it right.

“This is one memory of Pat we will never forget. We think it is very fitting that between us all we will walk those 500 miles for our friend and colleague whilst raising much needed funds for Cancer Focus NI in his name.”

The walkers aim to complete the 500 miles by Sunday, having started last Sunday.

Mrs Carlisle praised her late colleague as a person who was “universally liked”.

“I honestly never heard one bad word said about Pat. He was just one of those members of staff you just loved to have around you,” she said. “He was brilliant, did anything and always tried to keep everyone right. He was always there and became part of the furniture, as they say.

“He really became a friend over the years and he will be sorely missed by us all.”

Money will be raised through staff sponsorship and JustGiving donation on Carlisle’s Facebook page. Contributions can also be left into the Belfast Road shop in Ballynahinch.

Carlisle’s Fuels have donated 500 litres of oil while Carlisle’s Food SuperValu is donating £500 worth shopping vouchers for a prize draw for everyone who donates.

The draw will take place on Monday, May 31, and winners will be contacted by Facebook page or telephone. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paddyswalk500miles