The Craigyhill bonfire Guinness World Record attempt has been abandoned as the builders have decided to use their fundraising efforts to help a sick local girl.
The decision was made following a committee meeting on Friday night after the builders heard about the struggles of a young girl from Larne, Pia Grace, who is going through difficult cancer treatment.
They felt that instead of raising money to fund adjudication for Guinness World Records, it would be better to use their fundraising efforts to support Pia and her family in the coming weeks.
Read more: Craigyhill Bonfire builders address 'unfair negativity' as they aim for Guinness World Record
Speaking to Belfast Live, David, from the Craigyhill Bonfire committee said: "On Friday we heard about the heartbroken story of Pia Grace and the struggles that she has been going through with cancer treatment and it had a big impact on us.
"One of our builders recently lost a young family member to cancer and we know just how tough it will be for them. So we decided that instead of raising money to have a world record confirmed by Guinness we would be better doing something to support Pia Grace and her family at this difficult time.
"It is more important that we are able to help someone from our local community.
"Over the next few weeks we will be wearing t-shirts featuring the link to the Justgiving page that we have set up for the family and will also be creating a banner that will be put up around the bonfire site that will tell people how they can donate and show their support.
"We are very thankful to everyone who supported the previous GoFundMe, but it has been shut down and the money will be refunded to everyone who donated.
"We would also like to thank everyone who supports our new fundraising drive and hope that we can make life a bit easier for Pia Grace and her family."
If you would like to donate to the Craigyhill fundraiser please follow this link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pia-grace?utm_term=VYbWEw7PG
READ NEXT:
- Man, 20s, has died following road traffic collision, PSNI confirm
- Lottie Belfast closes its doors after three years
- Co Down woman's bid to help others suffering agony of endometriosis and menopause in silence
- Northern Ireland property: Inside beautifully decorated 'little blue' cottage on the market for £135K
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
