As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, the Fermanagh Trust is honouring 30 remarkable individuals whose commitment to their communities has made a lasting difference. Each awardee receives a £1,000 bursary to benefit the organisation or cause they’re involved with. A gift that celebrates their service while investing in the future. Categories for the Civic Honour Awards include: Inspirational Young Person: for those under 30 making a standout impact, and Community Impact & Legacy: for those with 30+ years of service volunteering in their community.
Grainne McGoldrick from Tempo is being recognised in the Inspirational Young Person category for her tireless fundraising and advocacy for cancer support. Balancing her professional commitments with community involvement, she has shown how personal experience can be transformed into powerful action for others.
Fermanagh Civic Honour recipient Grainne McGoldrick
Grainne’s volunteering journey is deeply personal. Inspired by her mum’s 11-year ongoing cancer journey, she decided to give something back to SWELL, the local cancer support charity that has supported her family. “SWELL have supported my mum throughout her journey, and that’s why I wanted to give something back,” she explains. “What makes SWELL so special is that all the volunteers have had cancer themselves, so they really understand each other. It’s a brilliant network of support.”
To raise both awareness and funds, Grainne set herself a major challenge: a 200-mile sponsored walk. “A few years ago I did a 200-mile walk for SWELL, and this year I decided to take on the challenge again. Some days I was walking up to nine miles,” she says. “I organised it all myself, but I had great support from friends, family and the community, especially at the finish line when so many people came out to walk the last stretch with me.”
Her determination has made a real difference. “Between the two walks I’ve raised over £6,000. Online fundraising and social media really helped spread the word and made it easier for people to donate,” she notes. “The 200 miles was symbolic, like the long journey of cancer. You break it down into smaller pieces and just keep putting one foot in front of the other.”
The walks were not without memorable moments. “One evening I even walked all the way from Belfast to Lisburn. About four hours,” she recalls with a smile. But the biggest reward was the impact. “For me it wasn’t just about raising money, it was also about raising awareness of the classes, therapies and support that SWELL provides. There’s so much going on there that people might not realise.”
Through it all, Grainne has drawn strength and inspiration from her mother. “I get my determination from my mum. She has always taught me to just keep going,” she says. “She’s also taught me that you get back what you give and usually even more.”
Her efforts have not only provided vital funds for SWELL but also encouraged others to talk openly about cancer, seek help, and get involved in their community. “The experience has motivated me. I definitely want to keep involved in my community and in volunteering in the future,” she says. “Do what you can for your community. It’s good to give back. It’s rewarding for yourself as well as for others.”
Grainne completed her 200 miles in July. “Now that the walk is finished, I’m a bit on the comedown. I don’t quite know what to do with myself,” she laughs. But her future path is already taking shape. “I’m currently on my placement year with PwC, working in technology, and I hope to go into software engineering in the future.”
Alongside her professional ambitions, Grainne is also proud of her cultural roots. “Outside of work and fundraising I play in the Silver Band in Tempo. I’ve also been involved in traditional music and Irish dancing. Culture and heritage are a big part of my life.”
Receiving the Civic Honour Award has been an emotional moment. “My family are so proud. It means a huge amount to all of us,” she says. “I wasn’t expecting it at all, but it’s lovely recognition not just for me, but for the cause and the community that supported me.”
At only 21, Grainne has demonstrated how compassion, determination, and quiet leadership can inspire others and make a real difference. By turning her family’s experience into action, she has raised awareness, strengthened community support, and shown how one young person can be a powerful force for positive change.
Please be advised that applications for the Fermanagh Civic Honour Awards are now closed. All 30 recipients have been selected.