By 
THE Fir Trees Hotel was buzzing with energy recently for an inspirational charity event with a powerful purpose at its heart.
‘Revive and Thrive: Mind, Body and Style’ brought together community, creativity and compassion in support of Lusaka Le Chéile (Lusaka Together) – a group of young people from Strabane preparing for a life-changing journey to Africa.
The uplifting afternoon featured engaging talks, fashion, fitness, beauty and mindset sessions, all delivered by expert speakers who inspired attendees to focus on wellbeing while supporting a global cause.
The event was a fundraiser for Lusaka Le Chéile, who, in collaboration with the Spirit of Paul McGirr Foundation, will travel to Lusaka, Zambia in March 2026 to support the Tyrone School campus.
All participants are self-funding their trip, ensuring that every penny raised goes directly towards improving conditions for children and schools in Lusaka.
Revive and Thrive was the brainchild of Karen McKay, whose daughter Alice is one of the participants.
The organisers extend heartfelt thanks to the incredible contributors who helped make the day such a success. Sandra Devenney, Tara Grimes and Oonagh O’Hagan from Meaghers Pharmacy generously shared their expertise and insights, while the stunning models from McElhinney’s brought the fashion element to life.
Guests also enjoyed an informative skincare talk from Joanne O’Hagan, make-up demonstrations by the talented Rosie McCay, hair styling by Clodagh Harris, fitness techniques from Giusell Di Nichi, and a calming and insightful session on grounding techniques delivered by Joanne Gallagher.
With the day centred firmly on personal health and wellbeing, the organisers were delighted to welcome Adrian Loughrey from the Koram Centre, and to acknowledge the valued support of the CLEAR Project and the Public Health Agency.
Special thanks are also due to John Houston of Houston’s Homeware, Niamh McMenamin of Blossom & Lace, and Donna Doherty of Donna’s Flowers, whose beautiful styling helped transform the venue, along with Shane McGillion from AVC for providing professional technical support throughout the event.
The organisers continued, “A particularly warm word of appreciation to Johnny Kelly and the staff of the Fir Trees Hotel, who went above and beyond in hosting the event, providing a wonderful meal and exceptional care and attention on the day. Thanks also to Sperrin Bakery for the beautifully presented Lusaka-themed cupcakes, which were a real talking point.
“A massive shout-out goes to the amazing participants – Jodie, Cormac, Dara, Ava, Alice and Keilith – who embraced the Revive and Thrive spirit so brilliantly, with Jodie also contributing photography that captured the day perfectly.
“Finally, sincere thanks are extended to everyone who attended and supported the event. Your energy, generosity and enthusiasm made Revive and Thrive a true celebration of community, health and wellbeing – the perfect icing on the cake.”
Lusaka Le Chéile (Lusaka Together) is a grassroots initiative involving a group of young people from Strabane who, in partnership with the Spirit of Paul McGirr Foundation, will travel to Lusaka to support the Tyrone School campus.
The campus includes a secondary school, two primary schools and a school for children with disabilities, with the potential to serve over 1,000 pupils when fully completed.
The group will deliver educational materials, assist with school refurbishment, upskill pupils and promote Ireland’s national games as a way of building confidence, fostering fun and strengthening community spirit among the students.
