Donnelly sisters lead appeal for charity walk

TWO sisters from Dungannon are urging people from south Tyrone to step forward and step out in a charity walk from Armagh to Dungannon.

Armagh Tigers Charitable Trustare seeking to raise thousands of pounds with a Dublin to Dungannon 100 mile “Walk for Life” on Saturday, April 23.

The walk will be split into ten legs and the Armagh Tigers are seeking people to participate in the final 10 mile stretch from the front of The Armagh City Hotel to Donnelly Jaguar Land Rover Dungannon.

Monies raised will be split between World Vision Korogocho Slum School Kenya Project and Diabetes Education and Awareness.

Sisters Emma and Claire Donnelly from Dungannon have both signed up for ‘Walk for Life’ and have first-hand experience of World Vision and diabetes.

Emma Donnelly said, “It is estimated that over 3.5 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, but sadly our awareness and knowledge of the condition is limited.

“I was diagnosed with Type One diabetes at the age of 16, and immediately had to make huge lifestyle changes. This was one of the toughest obstacles to deal with, as I knew that I had to quickly except my new normal.

“I’m taking part in the Walk for Life to help others like me who will benefit from the research being undertaken by Queen’s University to transform diabetes care.”

Claire Donnelly, who also lives with diabetes and who taught children in Kibera, Kenya, added, “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Kenya in 2013, and I know how beneficial World Vision’s Korogocho Slum School Kenya Project can be for children living there.

“Classrooms were largely mixed with older children and young children, due to a lack of teachers, and a number of the children were too malnourished to concentrate on learning.

“What struck me was the ambition that the children had, regardless of their circumstance, to become lawyers, doctors, and teachers. They were so eager to learn.

‘ambition’

“I have signed up to Walk for Life to honour the ambition of the children I met and help turn their aspirations into a reality.”

Local businesses have rallied behind ‘Walk for Life’, with the charitable event receiving support from the Donnelly Group, Armagh City Hotel, and Circet Ireland.

Kieran McAnallen, who is the chairman of Armagh Tigers Charitable Trust, said, “The Armagh Tigers have a long history of charitable works and we are committed to making a real difference to the quality of peoples’ lives not just locally but across the world.

“Walk for Life” donations will go directly to building a school in Kenya and raising awareness of those living with diabetes closer to home.

“The Armagh Tigers are appealing to businesses, schools, sports and community groups, friends and families to power walk, jog, or enjoy a dander on Saturday 23rd April to raise much needed funds for two worthwhile causes.”

Professor Tim Curtis, Queen’s University Belfast expressed his delight with the fundraising initiative, “At the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s, we’re training the next generation of researchers to improve patient outcomes and develop new treatments for people dealing with diabetes and its complications.

“We are delighted that the Armagh Tigers Charitable Trust has chosen to raise awareness and help with fundraising efforts, as we endeavour to create a brighter future for people living with diabetes”.

Walk for Life will take off from the front of Circet Ireland Network Office on Gloverhill Road, Dublin, and finish at Donnelly Group’s Dungannon showroom.

To find out more about how you can get involved with Walk for Life by participating or donating, visit armaghtigers.com