As aid agencies continue to bring vital hope and help in the aftermath of the earthquake which devastated Nepal, a team of Armagh men are planning a local fundraiser to support the work there.
It is now 13 days since the 7.8 quake struck, killing close on 8,000 and injuring thousands more, and leaving many homeless.
Across the world the appeals for help have not gone unheard and the Disasters Emergency Committee, a collective of 13 leading aid charities, is among those who have been raising money, raising awareness and bringing practical help on the ground.
One of those charities is Save the Children.
And it is for that cause that Armagh personal trainer Bubba Ali, together with three friends, are currently planning the Armagh Fit Challenge – with all money raised going directly to help a country in its devastatingly darkest days.
Bubba, who runs his Bubbasbootcamps and Personal Training at Ardmore, has been joined by fellow personal trainers Shane McKenna and Brian McEntagert, and client Frances Molloy.
The community-orientated foursome will hold the ultimate fitness challenge at Ardmore Playing Fields next month and are asking everyone to get involved and support them in supporting the work of the relief agencies by taking part.
The full body fitness challenge is in aid of ‘Save the Children Nepal’ and will consist of a race from 3k or 5k tracks, with a mixture of cross-country, military obstacle course and strength-based checkpoints, flexibility tests and other fitness style stops along the way.
Bubba says the fun fitness challenge will “test you in every way” and is calling on people to take part on the day.
Fine planning it still taking place, but it’s also hoped to have bouncy castles and food on the day so that people of all ages can come along and support this worthy cause.
The scenes on the television have brought millions of pounds worth of emergency supplies into Nepal.
And it is events and appeals such as this, in Armagh, which have been helping those on the ground.
But much more support will be needed in the months and years ahead, as a country, and those taking a lead in the efforts, struggle to help rebuild.
People have not failed to have been moved as we watch the death toll climb ever higher and our hearts ache at the scenes on our television screens.
As Bubba explained, he was asked by a client to arrange a charity bootcamp for this cause and was only too willing to get on board.
The challenge takes place on Sunday, June 14, beginning at 1pm. The cost of race entry is £10 and donations are welcome – ALL proceeds will go to the vital work continuing in Nepal.
Many families lost their homes or are too scared to return to them and remain displaced, often living in the streets or any available open spaces.
Aid agencies have been responding to the needs of these children by building child friendly spaces – large white tents where children can play, supervised by child protection staff. The activities help to address the emotional needs of children whose lives were devastated by the quake.
Sarah Ireland, Save the Children’s Advocacy Manager in Bhaktapur, said: “A disaster like this is very distressing for adults, let alone children, who have experienced something no child should have to. Their exposure to trauma, disruption of daily routines, loss of lives, belongings and homes can have long-lasting psychological and social impact.
“A child-friendly space essentially takes them away from the rubble where they are faced with the memories of the earthquake, to a safe environment where they can play, learn, and talk through their experiences with other children. Simply put, they get to be children again.”
You can help support this essential work by signing up now:
Check out ‘Armagh Fit Challenge for Nepal’ for more details and to pledge your support.
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