Crossgar woman takes part 1,000-mile hike for charity

Crossgar woman takes part 1,000-mile hike for charity

20 January 2021

A FORMER Crossgar woman has ended a 1,000-mile fundraising walk in aid of Kidney Care UK in her home village.

Sandra Robinson took part in the charity’s winter walk challenge in November and raised over £600 for the charity – more than double than what she had hoped.

The fundraiser set out to walk an initial 500 miles to support kidney patients across Northern Ireland and in addition to doubling her fundraising target, she also doubled the number of miles she had intended to clock up.

Sandra’s charity challenge ended with a final leg of her walk from her home in Belfast to Magee’s Wine Lodge in Crossgar owned by businessman Roger Magee.

He received a kidney transplant last July and along with his family was on hand to welcome the winter walk challenger to the village.

Sandra is a staunch supporter of Kidney Care UK and the work it does to support local kidney patients because her late husband Jim was a kidney patient at The Ulster Hospital in Dundonald. 

“It is always my mission and passion to highlight and promote the kidney cause in Northern Ireland and this was the motivation behind my winter walk,” she explained.

“The need has never been greater and I am so thankful to everyone who has got behind me in my most recent fundraiser, especially Roger Magee.”

Commending Sandra for her amazing efforts, Northern Ireland Ambassador for Kidney Care UK and living kidney donor, Jo-Anne Dobson, said the former Crossgar woman certainly went the extra mile for the kidney family in Northern Ireland. 

“Kidney Care UK provides dedicated emotional and financial support to kidney patients and their families at what can be the most difficult times in their lives,” said Mrs Dobson.

“Sandra is a wonderful lady whose enthusiasm and dedication is second to none as she supports kidney patients in memory of her beloved late husband Jimbo who was a long-term and well-known dialysis patient.”

Mrs Dobson said that last year Sandra took on a skydive challenge to raise funds for both Kidney Care UK and the Northern Ireland Kidney Patients’ Association, to help support kidney patients across Northern Ireland.  

She continued: “Sandra’s enthusiasm in helping others is infectious and I send my heartfelt thanks to Sandra and to everyone who has helped her complete her winter walk in style.”

Mrs Dobson said the promotion of the vital organ donation message is central to ensuring everyone who needs a transplant has a better chance of receiving one.  

She added: “Through our work we want to make people think about becoming a donor and also crucially to tell their loved ones their wishes.”

Also praising Sandra for her efforts, Mr Magee said the Crossgar business was delighted to host the end of her winter walk challenge, especially as she finished amongst friends in her home village.

He added: “Sandra’s fundraising has gone above and beyond which included her skydive last year of which she can be extremely proud.”