A charity fundraising evening in memory of Omagh businessman Gerard Campbell will take place on Saturday, October 3 at Glenpark Estate in Gortin. The event, called Gala in the Glen, begins with a cocktail reception at 6pm followed by a meal, live music, entertainment, and a raffle.

Proceeds will go to Sarcoma UK, a charity that supports people affected by sarcoma, a rare cancer of bone and soft tissue. Campbell died on May 30, 2024, twelve weeks after being diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma of the chest wall.

His wife, Máire Campbell, said the charity provided vital information and support during his treatment. She noted that spindle cell sarcoma of the chest wall accounts for only 0.04 percent of newly diagnosed cancers, making information hard to find. Sarcoma UK staff called weekly to discuss treatments and treatment centres, she said.

The family also received support from their GP at Drumragh Family Practice, who helped arrange contact with the Sarcoma Unit at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. A Zoom call with the unit's oncologist and head took place on May 17, 2024, but Campbell died before treatment could begin.

A guest speaker from Sarcoma UK, Sam Hackett, will attend the event. Hackett previously worked as a sarcoma specialist nurse at the Royal Marsden Hospital and joined Sarcoma UK in 2015 to help establish its support line. She is now the charity's healthcare professional engagement lead.

Máire Campbell said the event aims to honour her husband's memory, raise funds for Sarcoma UK, and increase awareness of the rare condition to aid earlier diagnosis. Tickets cost £85, with tables of ten available. Contact details are provided for ticket purchases.

Gerard Campbell was originally from Castlederg and moved to Omagh at age 11. He trained as a history and geography teacher in Manchester and later completed a master's degree in American studies at Ulster University. He opened Omagh's first video rental shop, Countdown, in the early 1980s and later founded GM Canopies, a canopy sales and rental business. He was involved in retail, export, property development, and property management, and supported community organisations and charities.