Law student bound for Uganda to work on playground project

A TALENTED Omagh singer and musician is adding another string to her bow by planning to do her bit through volunteering to make a difference to the lives of children in Uganda this summer.

Kind-hearted Lucy Reid (20), a second year law student at Northumbria University, will be playing her part in helping provide a playground at a school in Africa under the banner of UK registered charity, Play Action International.

Lucy, a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Omagh, has contributed much to its musical praise, having been a choir member from a young age and contributing solos in many church services in her teenage years.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Lucy helped and assisted the process and transition for Trinity Presbyterian Church services to move online. She was an integral part of a small team who delivered online weekly services to the congregation and local community.

Lucy committed fully to rehearsals and practice at home and recorded hymns on a regular basis throughout the entire pandemic.

The church is holding a table quiz in its hall on the night of Friday, April 12 in support of Lucy’s two-week summer mission, where she will join a team of fellow volunteers from Northumbria University who are fundraising for Play Action International. All team members are each fundraising £1,350 to help build a playground to benefit vulnerable and disadvantaged children at a local primary school and refugee settlements in Uganda.

A spokesperson for the charity said, “Play Action International aims to change the lives of children across East Africa by developing children’s learning opportunities and environments. We work alongside local communities to build stimulating and exciting playgrounds, run arts and games programmes as well as developing long term employment and training opportunities for young people.

“Please help Lucy with her role as a volunteer for Play Action International to bring more play-based educational opportunities to children across East Africa and provide them with a brighter future through the language children know best – play.”

MUSICAL

A former pupil of Gibson Primary School and Omagh Academy, Lucy is extremely musical, and is an accomplished pianist and flutist, as well as enjoying playing the guitar, along with being a soloist and chorister.

Since moving to study on the mainland, Lucy has continued her singing within the Newcastle Cathedral Consort Choir, a joint venture between the Cathedral and Northumbria University.

Lucy said, “This summer, I will be joining a team of volunteers in Uganda for two weeks. Together, we will be transforming an empty field at a local school into a vibrant playground so that children’s lives can be enriched through play, providing them with access to a childhood.

“With your kind and generous support, this will enable Play Action International to create a legacy of play within the local community so that we can create an environment where children’s development and wellbeing are supported, and children are able to learn essential skills that will allow them to reach their potential. Your kind support, no matter how small or large, will greatly assist in creating a legacy of play, laughter, growth, and endless possibilities.”

Lucy added, “Any donations received goes directly to Play Action International, and will play a key role in supporting this amazing project, ensuring that every swing, slide and moment of fun contributes to a brighter future for the children, school and wider community.”

Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/ page/lucy-playactionuganda.