Myself and Kieran Mc Cann have decided to fundraise with the aim to raise money for those within the Magehrafelt area suffering from mental illness and struggling with their finances. The funds raised will be used to purchase food, electricity and heating vouchers. These vouchers will be donated to local mental health services who in turn can ensure they are utilised by those most in need.

Over my years of working within mental health services I have noted the growing impact of the cost of living on families - which in turn has led to and increase in crisis presentations and overall poor mental health. Our one aim in this fundraiser is to improve the quality of life of the people that live in the Magherafelt area.

We plan to donate all of the proceeds to various mental health services and charities within the Magherafelt area so that the vouchers will be readily available when they are truely needed.

I have always found that exercise is a massive help for my own mental health - or for when life gets hectic.

With the current rates of suicide of both men and woman in the local area - we have felt that the best way to fund raise is to attempt to bring people together via exercise so that bonds can be made with strangers in our community and an opportunity can be provided to create new friendships.

A family element will also occur with bouncy castle and fun games for children between 1pm-3pm - again within Meadowbank Sports Arena Magherafelt

We have seen an excellent uptake for our inaugural 'Pass It On' 5 aside competition on 27.07.24 at Meadowbank Sports Arena - with the 20 teams selling within 6 hours - meaning in excess of 100 players (families) are prepared to donate their time and money to attend the event which I think is fantastic.

Now that the competition is organised and the participants are ready to play -myself and Kieran would greatly appreciate any further donations to this cause which is close to our hearts.