Delight as walk raises £1,100 for Trillick playgroup

DESPITE the cool winds and lashing rain, the parents, past-parents and grandparents of Peter Pan Playgroup enjoyed a special walk on Sunday to raise important funds.

The 13-mile journey, which kept to social distancing guidelines, saw the cross-community group both walk and run across scenic paths less travelled in Trillick, while enjoying good company and catching up with the news and craic.

Organised by Brenda Kelly, past chairperson, and Theresa McElholm, past treasurer, the successful walk raised £1,100 – and counting – for the playgroup.

Anne McCann, who has been a part of Peter Pan Playgroup for 22 years, leading the group for the past 16 years, said the walk was ‘absolutely fantastic’.

“Everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly,” she said. “There was a good mix of parents, past-parents and grandparents, and the mood was great. Our walkers knew that they were all coming together to do something positive for the playgroup, and it was lovely to see everyone together again.”

The group set out on Sunday morning in the mellow summer sun, with a route carefully marked out by James McBride from the Trillick Arts & Cultural Society, but it was not long before the Irish rains paid a visit.

“We all got soaked!” Anne laughed. “But it didn’t take away from our enjoyment of the walk, which was quite challenging, due to some hill climbs.

“But thankfully, we had fruits, water and other snacks throughout, which had kindly been donated, to keep us going.”

Anne added, “One of the most heartening parts of the walk was seeing parents, who have separated, coming together to talk. As we were established around 30 years ago, we even welcomed back some of our former attendees who are now sending their children to the playgroup.”

Anne has expressed her thanks to everyone who came along on the day, and who donated to the walk.