A group of friends and family are holding an alternative 30th birthday party next weekend for a heart-warming cause.

A unique party in Letterkenny on November 24th will celebrate the life of a beautiful and cherished local woman who died nine years ago.

Jessica O’Toole died at the age of 21 from complications caused by meningitis in March 2008. She has always remained in the hearts and minds of so many people since her passing.

This year would be Jessica’s 30th birthday, so her mother Grace O’Toole, her brothers and her friends have arranged a fun party in her honour and to fundraise for meningitis charity ACT.

They said: “We intend on having a night to remember the various wonderful and beautiful things that were Jessica and also to raise awareness for ACT.”

Jessica O’Toole

Co-organiser Maggie Callan told Donegal Woman that Jessica would have loved such a fun event:

“She was very warm and really was a person who brought people together. Anyone that knew her, knew of how beautiful she was inside and out. She was definitely unique.

“She loved music and everything Irish. She loved the Irish language and history. Michael Collins was one of her heroes. She went to the Irish Primary and secondary school here in Letterkenny where she was held in high esteem.

“She would loved the idea because we are trying to bring people together which is what she did,” Maggie said.

Jessica O’Toole

The party begins at 9pm in The Cavern Bar Letterkenny, all those who knew Jessica are welcome to come along on the night to commemorate her life. It will be a lively event with Joe Deckz providing music and special moments to raise awareness of meningitis.

“She was one of the best people and myself and everyone who knew her feel privileged to have known her,” Maggie said.

Nakita Peoples added: “Jessica was one of kind that brought warmth and happiness to everyone that knew her.”

Jessica O’Toole

The group are also due to run the Finn Valley Remembrance 10k this Sunday for Jessica, which has become a tradition for them in support of ACT for Meningitis.

Jessica’s mum Grace and her two younger brothers Joe and Aidan organises the team every year to raise fund for the charity.

ACT Meningitis is a charity which aims to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of Meningitis. It offers free support services to families and individuals affected by Meningitis.

Visit actformeningitis.ie to download a Meningitis awareness card and spread the word.

If you would like to support Jessica’s anniversary fundraiser, an iDonate page link is available for anyone who cannot make the event: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11367097_jessica-woz-here.html