Cancer charities to benefit from fundraiser in memory of former Queen’s student Colum McNally

Colum’s family, together with family friend Aidan O’Neill and the DLD Fund, set up the Colum McNally Scholarship in his memory.

Since then, 23 Queen’s Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering students have benefited from financial support from the scholarships, as well as advice and guidance on placement opportunities.

Friends of the Cancer Centre, Cancer Fund for Children and the Johnston Cancer Research Centre at Queen’s are all set to benefit from the fundraising drive and are lending their support to the campaign.

The project will receive an added boost from a particularly special fundraising tradition - miniature wooden reindeer, inspired by the reindeer Colum made himself to raise money for cancer research during his lifetime.

Speaking about the initiative, Eddie Friel, Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy at Queen’s, said: “There’s no doubt that Colum McNally was an inspirational young man, raising money for cancer research and going on to university, all while dealing with his own diagnosis.

"We are incredibly proud and very thankful to Aidan O’Neill and the DLD Fund for supporting the Colum McNally Scholarship which continues to help Engineering students at Queen’s each year. The impact of that scholarship is significant, taking away some of the financial pressure and allowing the students to focus on their studies.

“We are delighted that the Reindeer Project will help boost research at the Johnston Cancer Research Centre at Queen’s alongside two really important local cancer charities, providing hope, support and potential breakthroughs in cancer treatment.”

Speaking about the fundraising initiative, Amy Cowan, Fundraising Manger at Friends of the Cancer Centre, said: “We would like to thank the McNally family for choosing to support the charity in Colum’s memory.

"The money raised through the Reindeer Project will go on to support our vital work, which includes funding and supporting additional staff such as our specialist nurse and social worker dedicated to young people with cancer. It is a powerful and lasting legacy to Colum that will make a real and meaningful difference to families across Northern Ireland.”

Naomi Braithwaite, Cancer Fund for Children Family Fundraiser, said: “Colum's story is one of extraordinary courage, determination and generosity and the impact he continues to have through the Colum McNally Scholarship is inspirational.

"The funds raised through the Reindeer Project will help ensure children, young people and families impacted by cancer can access the emotional, social and therapeutic support they need during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

“We are incredibly grateful to the McNally family and everyone involved for choosing to support Cancer Fund for Children in such a meaningful way.”

Colum’s father, Mark McNally said: “As Colum's family we are delighted to be organising Colum's Reindeer World Tour 2026/27 in Colum's memory.

"We are overwhelmed with the support from Aidan and Pauline O Neill (DLD fund), Queen’s Cancer Research Centre, Friends of the Cancer Centre and Cancer fund for Children. We are so excited to set the reindeer on their journey and hope to see them in many places across the world.

“We hope everyone who gets to have a reindeer, enjoys the experience and raises much needed funds for the charities.”

Aidan O’Neill of the DLD Fund said: “We are honoured to fund the Colum McNally Scholarship and to work alongside his family to help Engineering students at Queen’s pursue their ambitions. It means a great deal to see students benefit from the scholarship established in his memory.

“We are proud to support the McNally family as they launch Colum’s Reindeer World Tour, building on the fundraising he began ten years ago.”