‘Faster Pastor’ appeals for support during 100k for Christmas Day ‘run’

OMAGH Community Church pastor, Tim Shiels, has come up with a novel idea to raise funds for their eighth annual Community Christmas Dinner.

Five years ago, the ‘Faster Pastor’ spent a day on an exercise bike in Asda Omagh to fundraise ahead of his trip to Perth, Western Australia, where he was competing in the World Masters Athletics Championships.

And he thought this time around he would repeat the feat. However, rather than sit on an exercise bike for a day, he has been kindly granted the use of one of Seanie Meyeler’s treadmills, which he will set up in the Dromore Road supermarket and along with a host of other runners, including Jill McCann and Richard Duffy, they will attempt to complete 100 kilometres.

“I thought that rather than cycling, let’s get a treadmill into the store and let’s do two things – let’s raise the profile of the day and let’s raise money by doing 100k for Christmas Day,” explained Tim, who is only too delighted not to be covering the entire distance on his own.

At present Tim has convinced 12 individuals to run on the treadmill and he hopes to attract another seven so each participant, who will be urged to raise sponsorship, will run 5 kilometres on Saturday, December 18th.

“I’m participating and the language I’m using is that I’m inviting runners to participate too,” he added.

“If you’re free on the day, come along, jump on the treadmill and run a couple of miles and let’s make Christmas great together.”

Omagh Community Church’s Community Christmas Dinner has gone from strength to strength over the past seven years, bringing people together during the festive period, bringing joy to so many lives and some much needed good company.

Last year’s edition was brought on the road, with meals delivered to the doors of those who would normally attend because of Covid and in 2021 it will again be taken out and about as Shiels ensures no one misses out on a happy Christmas.

“As the country was in lockdown last year, we went to doorstep deliveries and this year, we felt that with looming restrictions and the fear of hospitality taking an impact, we would go down the same route again,” he explained.

“We didn’t want anyone missing out so to meet the needs of everybody and accommodate everybody, the meals on wheels approach was best with the hope of having a sit down meal together next year.

“At the heart of the Community Dinners is a desire to provide food for those who need it but also a friendly face and some conversation for many who find themselves alone during this festive period.

“Following the isolation and hardship that Covid19 has brought, we have decided to take the Christmas Dinner out into the heart of the community and deliver a hearty meal, some presents and a much needed Christmas cheer to the doorsteps of those who need it.

“And hopefully those who would be on their own on Christmas Day will enjoy the laugh and the joke at their door, the smile and the fact that someone is coming to visit them will feel loved.”

The Community Christmas Dinner is a completely free service so if you are in Asda on December 18th, please dig deep and donate.

And if you, or anyone you know, would like the volunteers to call at your doorstep on Christmas Day, please contact us on 07821 736104 or email office@omaghcommunitychurch.com.