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Northern Ireland
Wheelchair pensioner ready to climb mountain
Courageous Keith Matthews, 68, from Workington, Cumbria, has been in a wheelchair since 1982 after a car crash. After making a pact with God to save his granddaughter when she was stuck down with the killer strain of meningitis in 2008, he is now set to climb 2,785ft to the summit of the Mourne Mountains in aid of charity.
When Keith’s granddaughter, Tanya, lay in hospital, Keith made a pact with God. Keith says; “I said to him that if she pulled through I would do everything I could to help support anyone who has experienced meningitis. That’s why I chose the Meningitis Trust, as it provides a lifeline to people whose lives have been turned upside down by the disease. People just like me and my family.”.
Fortunately Tanya, now 20, survived, although she has been left deaf in one ear as a result. Tanya also recently contracted meningitis for the second time, but this time it was the less-serious viral strain and she made a good recovery.
Keith is an avid climber and being wheelchair bound hasn’t stopped him. As well as his latest challenge of climbing the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland, he has also conquered some of the highest peaks including Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Hellvellyn.
He is due to set sail to Northern Ireland from Stranraer in Cumbria and will start his climb on August 9 with a team of 20 locals, who he befriended last year.
If you would like to support Keith on this inspiring challenge please visit www.justgiving.com/keith-matthews1.
Thales presents Jude Cuthbert with £1,000
Jude Cuthbert, NI Community Services Nurse, accepts a cheque from Tommy Madden from Thales Group, Alanbrook Road, Belfast. Tommy nominated the Meningitis Trust to receive a donation from the company's Staff Charity Fund. Thanks to Tommy for nominating us and to everyone who contributed.
David completes LEJOG Challenge!
Well done and thanks to David who has successfully completed his Lands End to John O’Groats challenge. David ran 430 miles in ten days and cycled the remaining 444 in five days. A fantastic achievement! You can read David’s challenge blog at http://www.justgiving.com/David-Flowerday-Lejog
Feel good fitness
Local personal trainer Ollie McWilliams, of Megan Fitness, is singlehandedly attempting to raise more than £100,000 in the next year for Northern Ireland families affected by meningitis.
The Derry man is undertaking a series of gruelling fitness challenges which will include a 200 mile cycle from Belfast to Dublin and back, taking part in a 700 mile cycle ride through twenty counties in ten days, and competing in the Iron Man contest next summer.
He is kicking off his fundraising bid by hosting a health and fitness retreat next month at Greenmount College, Antrim, and is hoping to raise more than £15,000 at this event alone.
The retreat will run over two days, June 12 and 13, and will include yoga sessions, one-to-one health and fitness coaching, salsa dancing lessons from some of Northern Ireland’s best instructors – all of whom have kindly agreed to donate their fees for this worthwhile cause.
“I am a firm believer that health and fitness should be a natural part of daily life, says Ollie. Exercise needn’t be boring – there are so many interesting forms of keeping fit which doesn’t involve the gym or monthly direct debits. This weekend is intended to introduce people to fun ways of staying in shape.
“On the retreat the experts will focus on ways of improving fitness and general wellbeing – with not an exercise bike in sight! We’ll be out enjoying the open air, have private use of the Antrim Forum Health Suite and be hitting the dance floor with Ireland’s Open salsa champion, Stephen McCune.”
Ollie’s daughter Megan (four) is recovering from meningitis, prompting his desire to raise money for the charity.
Accomodation and catering is included in the price of the ticket. Places on the retreat are limited and more information can be found on www.meganfitness.co.uk or by contacting Ollie McWilliams on 07595 365408.
Virgin Money Giving
There have been recent changes in the online fundraising world. JustGiving is now facing competition from Virgin Money Giving.
We have reviewed the propositions of both online fundraising websites and believe that Virgin Money Giving is the best option for both fundraisers and the Trust. This decision is based on Virgin Money Giving providing lower costs and great support.
The Meningitis Trust will continue to be able to receive money from both online giving websites, but to make your money go further we recommend you use Virgin Money Giving to promote your fundraising.
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