Sophie’s Hadrian’s Wall charity trek

Sophie’s Hadrian’s Wall charity trek

5 November 2014

BALLYNAHINCH army cadet Sophie Banerji has helped make Christmas wishes come true for life-limited children.

Fifteen year-old cadet bombardier Sophie walked the length of Hadrian’s Wall with 13 other young cadets and adult volunteers to raise £10,607 for the Northern Ireland’s Children to Lapland Trust.

They took just four days to complete the length of the 84-mile wall for the charity which gives unwell children the opportunity to visit Santa in his Arctic circle home.

The cadets labelled their walk ‘Exercise Centurian’s Challenge’ although Sophie admits she was surprised by the extent of the challenge as it unfolded.

“When we were at the planning stage it all seemed very easy, but the reality was very tough,” she said.

“Even though we had all trained, we found it hard going at times although the thought of what our fund-raising might achieve — and a bit of banter along the route — kept us going.

“Although it was tough, it was also fun and it was good to put our fitness training to the test. 

“Even our first aid skills were tested as we and the adult volunteers who accompanied us treated the blisters and sore legs.”

Sophie was delighted to present their charity cheque to Jack Rodgers MBE, Chairman of the Northern Ireland’s Children to Lapland Trust.

Thanking the cadets for their contribution, Mr. Rodgers explained the Northern Ireland’s Children To Lapland Trust was established to fulfil the dreams of terminally ill, long term ill and deserving children by taking them to see Santa at his home in Lapland.

“We are a Northern Irish charity which helps children throughout our province, by giving them a day they and their families will never forget,” he said.

“Many of the children endure the burden of illness throughout their entire lives – a lifetime which is sadly too short.”