Politicians taking to sea for charity

Politicians taking to sea for charity

4 May 2016

ROWALLANE councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews are taking to the water in their latest charity fundraiser.

The intrepid duo, who went toe-to-toe with each other in the boxing ring two years ago and last October went head-to-head in a charity golf tournament at Bright Golf Club and also took part in an eating challenge, are now going to race each other in skiffs on Strangford Lough to raise money for the Downpatrick charity, Children and Parents and Autism (CAAPA). They will also be making a donation to the RNLI.

The politicians, who are not afraid to stick their oar in during heavy weight political debates, are looking forward to their latest charity challenge in aid of an organisation they have supported for many years.

The councillors aim to hold the fundraiser during this summer’s international skiff racing event at Strangford Lough which is expected to attract around 800 competitors from as far away as the United States and Tasmania. 

Up to 60 skiffs are expected for the July event and it is in these craft that the Rowallane politicians will be hoping to make waves, raising lost of cash for CAAPA and the RNLI. The duo will each be recruiting four other people to row alongside them, with an open invitation to any of their Newry, Mourne and Down Council colleagues to join them.

As they prepare to don their sea legs, the Rowallane politicians admit they are slightly apprehensive about taking to the water and will make sure their life vests are securely fastened.

“It should be a hull of a battle,” joked DUP councillor Walker who hopes to see off his SDLP rival.

“This will be our third charity event and we are both looking forward to it. Hopefully weight won’t be too much of an issue otherwise Terry and I will have to opt for a lightweight crew.

“We have raised money for worthy causes in the past and are delighted to be able to help CAAPA this year. The charity, which caters for children and young adults with autism, does a fantastic job in the community.”

Councillor Walker explained the organisation is looking for a new home after it had to vacate its former base at the Downshire Hospital and paid tribute to the charity’s chairwoman, Moira Denvir, for the work she does.

He added: “Moira and her team are the unsung heroes of the district and Terry and I have no doubt that whatever money we raise will be put to extremely good use. It will be our pleasure to help an organisation whose numbers are increasing.”

Councillor Andrews admitted he is hoping for calm conditions on the day of the event and while charity is the name of the game, he wants to beat his rival.

“We had great craic during our previous fundraisers and this one won’t be any different. We are of course hoping for good weather as it will make the rowing a little easier. Even if the event is blessed with sunshine and bright blue skies, any wind can make the lough a little choppy,” he said.

“Billy and I have never rowed before so it is going to be a very interesting challenge. While it is one we are both up for, I hope my crew will cross the line first. As in our previous events, our chosen charity will be the winner and we are only too delighted to be able to help CAAPA.”

Councillor Andrews added: “The charity is a wonderful organisation and plays such an important role, helping families right across our district. We have enjoyed terrific support for our previous fundraisers and hope people will once again be generous and help us raise money for a very worthy cause. Billy and I are the best of friends but when it comes to our charity challenges the gloves are off as we are both determined to win.”

The Rowallane councillors will be taking part in their skiff race challenge on July 30 and are encouraging people to sponsor them or make donations to support the work of CAAPA and the RNLI.