Kind-heart Sam steps out for Strabane charity

BEING a mother of two and juggling law exams might sound like a handful, but it hasn’t stopped one local woman from taking on another challenge to help those in need.

Since the start of November Sam Kellet has been walking 10,000 steps a day, in a bid to raise money to help buy Christmas gifts for children in need. The children are part of the Kindness of Strangers’ Christmas Wishing Tree.

Originally from Dublin Sam has been living in Strabane for the past three years.

Speaking to the We Are Tyrone the trainee barrister explains the reason behind the fundraiser.

“Last year, I did a walk for the Rainbow Rehoming Shelter in Derry, and it went very well, I managed to raise £450 for them. I thought this year I would like to do something closer to home.”

Armed with her trusty Fitbit, Sam has been powering through the challenge, daily meeting her target, although she admits it hasn’t always been an easy task.

She explained, “As well as looking after two children, I also have exams to undertake which doesn’t leave me a lot of time to get other things done. I’m spending almost five hours a day on a bus to Belfast for my training so it’s brilliant to get out for a walk when possible.

“Life is remarkably busy right now, but I always manage to get the steps done. My nine-year-old daughter Halli has been doing the challenge with me which has been a wonderful motivator, not to mention the support I’m receiving from family and friends.”

Setting herself a target of £500, Sam currently sits at just under half that total with the hope she can reach the goal, although she understands it might be difficult as Christmas approaches with people unable to give as much as they would any other time of year.

Regardless of what is earned once the fundraiser ends on December 4, Sam will be playing Mrs Claus to some lucky kids.

“I have said to Kindness of Strangers that I would like to have the children tell me what they want, rather than me just going out and buying a load of presents.

“Each child has their own specific needs and wants, and it would feel brilliant to give them gifts that would really make them happy.”

With just over a week until completion, should anyone like to contribute to it, Sam’s fundraiser can be found on Facebook at ‘10,000 steps for 30 days to support Kindness of Strangers.’