“He still wanted to be here, meeting people. It gave him an immense sense of pride and purpose.”
Gerry Blain was a tour guide at Victoria Square in Belfast(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
The team at a Belfast shopping centre are taking on the Belfast City Marathon in memory of a much-loved tour guide. Gerry Blain began working at Victoria Square when it opened in 2008, starting out as a customer service supervisor, before becoming the centre’s tour guide.
Calling the shopping centre’s iconic dome his ‘office’ for all those years, the Belfast man took immense pride in welcoming visitors and sharing stories about the city. Gerry was known for his warm, humour, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
He passed away last year following a two-year battle with cancer and to honour his life and legacy, Victoria Square has launched a new charity partnership with Friends of the Cancer Centre.
READ MORE: ‘Making people laugh is a gift’ – Belfast tour guide wins award for contribution to the cityREAD MORE: Fermanagh teen forced to take a 140-mile round trip for audio described film screening
Gerry was a keen runner and ran many marathons over the years. In a fitting tribute, five of his former colleagues will run the relay at the Belfast City Marathon this weekend as part of the shopping centre’s fundraising efforts for the charity.
A Tap to Donate station will also be installed on the mall, with donations also encouraged during the centre’s flagship events throughout the year.
Reflecting on what his role as a tour guide meant to him, Gerry’s wife Lynn Blain said: “Victoria Square meant so much to Gerry. He loved being here, meeting people, sharing stories about Belfast and spending time with everyone who worked here.”
Despite planning to retire, Gerry chose to continue working following his diagnosis, returning to the centre for a few days each week.
“Even after his diagnosis, he was determined to come back,” explains Lynn. “We would bring him in in his wheelchair; he still wanted to be here, meeting people. It gave him an immense sense of pride and purpose.”
In October 2024, Gerry became the first ever recipient of Spirit of Belfast Award at the Belfast Chamber Awards in honour of his long and committed service to the role.
Speaking to Belfast Live about his award win, Gerry said: “It’s a reminder that making people laugh and feel welcome is a gift in itself.
“I love meeting people and having craic—I can genuinely say my day feels complete when I’ve made someone smile! It’s the little moments, like sharing a laugh or enjoying a friendly chat, that make my work so fulfilling.”
Gerry’s legacy lives on through the countless people he met and the joy he brought to visitors from all around the world. Through this new partnership, Victoria Square aims to ensure his kindness continues to make a difference in the lives of others.
For 40 years, Friends of the Cancer Centre has been dedicated to making a real and meaningful difference to cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland.
The charity enhances the quality of patient care and support through its life-changing and life-saving work, which includes funding additional nurses, supporting local research and providing practical support, such as financial grants, which help families through the most difficult times.
From something as simple as a cup of tea while waiting for an appointment, to comfortable day rooms that offer patients space away from busy wards, everything is focused on making an incredibly difficult time a little easier.
Ana Wilkinson, chief executive of Friends of the Cancer Centre said: “Everything we do to support local families relies on our wonderful friends who raise vital funds for the charity. We are delighted to have the support of the team at Victoria Square, especially as it’s in memory of such a dear friend and colleague.
“We look forward to working with Victoria Square throughout the year ahead to raise both funds and awareness for Friends of the Cancer Centre, helping the charity continue its vital work supporting local patients and families across Northern Ireland.”
Gerry’s wife Lynn added: “T he support we received from Friends of the Cancer Centre was incredible. From the moment you walk through the door, every single person is so kind and caring. I’m very proud that this partnership will help support other families like ours.”
Commenting on the partnership, Michelle Greeves, centre manager at Victoria Square, said: “Gerry was truly one of a kind and an integral part of the Victoria Square family for nearly two decades. His warmth, humour and genuine love for people made him incredibly special, and he is deeply missed by colleagues and visitors alike.
“We are honoured to launch this partnership in his memory. It is a fitting tribute to Gerry and will allow us to support Friends of the Cancer Centre in the vital work they do for patients and families across Northern Ireland.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
