Black's pendant has raised €22,000 for Brú Columbanus support house

BY JACKIE KEOGH

A SPECIAL pendant honouring the memory of world famous singer songwriter Colin Vearncombe who lived in Schull has raised €22,000 for charity.

Sabine Lenz of Enibas, a jewellery designer based in the village, confirmed that the special edition pendants have sold out.

Sabine, who designed both the gold and the silver pendants with Colin’s wife, Camilla Griehsel Vearncombe, said it was their way of giving back to Brú Columbanus in Wilton, an organisation that provided Colin’s family with support and accommodation while he was in hospital after an ultimately fatal road traffic accident in January 2016.

The pendant was modelled on a piece that Colin almost always wore. Like his pendant – that rather remarkably featured the jeweller’s stamp ‘BRU’ – was of a smiling sun and bore the legend: Saol Iontach, a nod to Colin’s international hit, Wonderful Life.

A total of 500 limited edition sterling silver pendants, plus 50 9ct gold, as well as a limited number of 18ct gold, pieces were shipped all around the world as Colin’s fan base got behind this unique fundraiser. 

Everyone involved in the project gathered in Schull recently for a special presentation to Brú Columbanus. Sabine said she felt incredibly proud to hand over a cheque for €22,390 to them, claiming: ‘It was the most special project I’ve ever worked on. 

‘It was a privilege to be able to honour Colin and his work. The story and sentiment behind the pendant captured the imagination of so many and it is fantastic to see people wear them proudly.

‘The pendant is also a reminder that it really is a Wonderful Life and that we should make the most of each day.’

Anne-Maria O’Connor of Brú Columbanus thanked everyone involved in the project and said the money will be put to ‘extremely good’ use.

‘It will,’ she added, ‘allow us to continue to offer our much-needed service to many more families, just as we did for Colin’s. 

‘We rely heavily on fundraising and it is never easy to raise large amounts, and, in this regard, I would like to thank Sabine for her generosity and Colin’s wife Camilla for supporting the project from start to finish. 

‘Brú Columbanus needs over €300,000 per annum to continue to function so this donation really will make a huge difference.’