Fundraisers Power way around park

Fundraisers Power way around park

1 October 2014

OVER 200 adults and children took part in the second Power of an Hour fundraising challenge in Castlewellan Forest Park recently.

Organised by the Donard Fundraising Group, the event gave participants the chance to run, walk or cycle 10k, 5k or 3k courses in a challenge which raised money for several charities being supported by the group.

The group’s chairman, Paul Madden, said the day was a great success with everyone having a great time before the event had even started.

“Kids, young and old alike, were completely captivated by all of the amazing superheroes they met,” he said.

“The family fun, atmosphere and entertainment was enhanced immeasurably by the sensational Saffyre performing live to everyone in the courtyard, which got plenty of our entrant’s toes tapping, in preparation to conquer the stunning routes and distances set around the park amid glorious sunshine.

“Everyone who crossed our starting line were all winners, whether running, walking or cycling, and we cannot thank the fantastic local people from so many of our communities near and far, for their support, generosity and for making the day such a magical one in every way.

First home in the 10K run in a time of 33 minutes was David O’Flaherty from Newcastle AC.

Paul said the group’s aim is to try to put as much fun into the fundraising as possible as well as raising awareness and much needed funds for all the charities the group is helping.

“Our fundraising is for the benefit of anyone in our towns and villages who need any vital care or help from Marie Curie Cancer Care, P.I.P.S Newcastle and District, Mind Your Mate and Yourself, our initiative to provide local lifesaving publicly accessible heart defibrillators and any other genuine good cause that we can help,” he said.

“All credit is due entirely to the public for making the whole event from start to finish such a heart-warming success. We thank you all for your fantastic support and for helping us so much.

“We would especially like to say a special word of grateful appreciation to the Castlewellan Forest Park Rangers, Saffyre, Peter McVerry, Born 2 Run Events, Fresh Food Centre, Murlough AC, Selena Rooney, all of our marshals and support team and anyone who helped us in any way, and to our VIP guest five-month-old Cian McEvoy and his family.

The group’s next fundraising event is a Wraps Fashions ‘Afternoon Tea Fashion Show’ in the Slieve Donard Hotel on Saturday, October 18, from 3-5pm.

If anyone would like to join the Group as a volunteer or make a donation or help in any way make contact through our Donard Fundraising Group’s Facebook page or telephone/text 07599 809280 or 07974 392790, Email: donardfg@hotmail.com