IEF Donors and Supporters pay tribute to Campaign Chair
The IEF’s Annual House of Lords Supporters Dinner took place this week in difficult circumstances following the recent passing of our Campaign Chair, Baroness May Blood.
However it was wonderful and comforting to have so many donors and supporters able to be present to celebrate May’s life and her invaluable contribution to Integrated Education.
The IEF wishes to thank Lord Dubs for hosting the event and also Tony Carson for generously sponsoring the dinner, which was attended by many honoured and distinquished guests including; Irish Ambassador, Martin Fraser; NI Minister of State, Steve Baker MP; the Lord Speaker, Lord McFall as well Ireland’s Minister for Health, Frank Feighan TD.
The IEF was also tremendously grateful to Ricky Massey, Principal of Integrated College Glengormley, for telling guests about how IEF donors have helped to support his school’s recent journey to Integrated status.
Paul Caskey OBE, Head of Campaign for the IEF, paid tribute to Baroness May Blood during the evening:
“I am conscious that this evening is one tinged with great sadness following the recent passing of our great friend and champion Baroness May Blood. May, as she would have insisted we all call her, truly loved this dinner. I know for a fact it was an evening she cherished and looked forward to immensely. It was simply her favourite event of the year. I can just picture her standing at the door of the Cholmondeley Room waiting to greet all the guests upon arrival. During her recent illness May was insistent that this dinner must proceed whatever the circumstances and she would have been thrilled to see you all here this evening.
It is incumbent on all of us to ensure the legacy of Baroness May Blood for Integrated Education will live on. May would want us all to continue to work to deliver the mission she cared so passionately about.”
