An Armagh charity is looking for people to take part in the final 10-mile stretch of a fundraising walk.
The 100-mile Walk for Life from Dublin to Dungannon has been organised by Armagh Tigers Charitable Trust and will take place on Saturday, April 23.
It is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for two causes – World Vision Korogocho Slum School Kenya Project and research into diabetes being undertaken by Queen’s University Belfast.
The walk will be split into 10 legs and Armagh Tigers are seeking people to walk the stretch from the front of Armagh City Hotel to Donnelly Jaguar Land Rover Dungannon.
The event is being supported by local businesses, Donnelly Group, Armagh City Hotel and Circet Ireland.
Sisters Emma and Claire Donnelly from Dungannon have both signed up for the walk, and have first-hand experience of World Vision and diabetes.
Emma 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, 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.
“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.”
Kieran McAnallen, chairman of Armagh Tigers Charitable Trust, said the trust has a long history of charitable works and was committed to making a real difference to the quality of peoples’ lives.
“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, April 23 to raise much-needed funds for two worthwhile causes,” he said.
Professor Tim Curtis, Queen’s University Belfast, said he was delighted Armagh Tigers had chosen to raise awareness and help with fundraising efforts.
“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,” he said.
To find out more about participating or donating visit armaghtigers.com
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