Co Down stores come together in fundraising to honour colleague

In total, £14,164.73 was raised by all stores, led by Tracey’s colleagues at EUROSPAR P&G in Portadown. Henderson Group have added to the stores’ fundraising, bringing the total donation to £27,164.  

The team at EUROSPAR P&G sadly lost their colleague and good friend, Tracey Belshaw earlier this year. Tracey was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2025 and passed away just four weeks later in June.  

The teams at ViVOXTRA Banbridge and EUROSPAR Moundview held a number of fundraising events and initiatives in aid of the cancer charity as part of a wider fundraising initiative with eight other stores across the country.   

The two Co Down stores were joined in fundraising for Macmillan by EUROSPAR P&G, SPAR Silverwood, EUROSPAR Lurgan and EUROSPAR Gilford in Co Armagh and Co Tyrone stores EUROSPAR Donaghmore, EUROSPAR Ranfurly, SPAR Quarry Lane and SPAR Moygashel.  

The team at ViVOXTRA Banbridge held door collections with an information station set up instore, where shoppers could find out about the important work of the charity. They also held a raffle, giving shoppers the chance to win a back-to-school hamper, which included vouchers kindly donated by local businesses. ViVOXTRA Banbridge raised £750.

EUROSPAR Moundview’s team completed a spin-a-thon, covering the distance from Dromore to Portrush, while Karen Long, Team Leader, took part in a sponsored silence. Shoppers were invited to sample food from local suppliers, Moira Bakery and The Galley, as well as the store’s own range of in-store produced meals. The store also held an exciting raffle, giving shoppers the chance to win a grocery filled hamper. The store’s efforts raised £680 for the charity.

Lynn Smiley, store manager at EUROSPAR P&G said: “Tracey’s passing had a huge impact on the whole team at our store and we wanted to do as much as we could to raise money in memory of Tracey as Macmillan Cancer Support was Tracey’s chosen charity. In support of this, ten stores came together to fundraise in memory of Tracey.   

“We appreciate the support from the other stores and all our shoppers, it means so much to us and they all helped us pay a great tribute to our dear friend Tracey, who is so missed by our team. Macmillan are a fantastic charity and we’re proud to have supported them in helping more people across Northern Ireland.”  

George Rankin, retail director at Henderson Group said: “We’re so proud of all ten teams who came together for such an amazing cause and in memory of Tracey. It’s great to see stores from different counties support each other with initiatives that are close to their hearts and put in so much time and effort into fundraising.   

“Being at the heart of their communities, fundraising for local charities and initiatives is central to each of our stores and it is so inspiring to see this developed further in support of other stores and to honour individuals from different communities. They have raised an amazing total for Macmillan Cancer Support, and it will make such a difference to the deserving charity.”  

Joanne Young from Macmillan Cancer Support added: “We wish to extend a huge thank you to all 10 store teams for their incredible fundraising efforts. The money raised will go such a long way, helping us to provide much-needed support and care for people who are living with cancer and their families.”