My last trip to India was the most amazing experience of my life

My last trip to India was the most amazing experience of my life

1 March 2017

KILLYLEAGH’S Ross Connolly is heading back to India for a second time this summer with the Saphara charity.

The Northern Ireland-based organisation which works in India, helps children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds attend school. 

The charity was set up by former Belfast teacher, Dr Christine Burnett. Each year, students from both sides of the divide head to India to work with Saphara, with many returning with a different outlook on life given what they have seen and experienced.

Ross (18), who first visited India with Saphara when he was at Down High School in 2015, is returning this summer as part of a university team. The Queen’s undergraduate is currently fundraising ahead of his trip and is delighted his uncle David Healy, the Northern Ireland football team’s record goalscorer, is lending a helping hand.

David will be back where his soccer career began, at the Killyleagh Showgrounds, this Sunday for a charity soccer match featuring a smattering of an ex-Irish league and Amateur League players.

During the afternoon there will be live music and a draw for a host of prizes.

Healy, who is now manager of Linfield, will be lining up for the Killyleagh All-Stars which will feature former Irish League players Chris Morgan, Winkie Murphy, Matthew Tipton, Paul Kee, Gareth Skates, Darren Murphy, Pat McShane and Barry Holland.

As Ross prepares to return to the sub-continent, he described his first visit as an “amazing experience” and is looking forward to returning.

“While it sounds like a cliché, visiting India really is a life-changing experience,” said Ross. “Visiting the sub-continent really does change your outlook on life and the world. My last trip was the most  amazing experience of my life and I am looking forward to going back.”

The philosophy, politics and economics student has raised most of the £650 personal contribution towards the trip, but he is still fundraising as part of the university team’s contribution.

“Entry to this Sunday’s game at the Showgrounds is free, but there will be buckets for people to make donations. There will activities for children, with live music provided by Vixen,” explained Ross.

“My uncle David will be drawing the raffle prizes and I am pleased he has been able to help out and get so many players for the Killyleagh All Stars team.”

Ross added: “It should be a great day raising money for a really worthwhile cause. I am eager to return to India and looking forward to getting back there.”