Killyleagh pair set for coastal walk in aid of cancer care

Killyleagh pair set for coastal walk in aid of cancer care

16 August 2017

TWO Killyleagh men are embarking upon a fundraising initiative this weekend in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Maurice Garrett and Philip Kirk will be part of Team Annett taking part in the 13 mile Causeway coastal walk from Ballintoy to Portrush on Saturday.

The duo will be part of a 50-strong team of people from Ballynahinch and Dundrum raising money for the cancer charity during the walk which is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours to complete.

Team Annett was established to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease Association NI after Ballynahinch man Willie Annett was diagnosed with the disease more than 18 months ago after noticing troubling muscle weakness.

The 57 year-old inspired the creation of the Team Annett local fundraising campaign with the various events co-ordinated by Eric Lyons who has organised next Saturday’s Causeway coastal walk.

Last year, Team Annett raised almost £20,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and is now helping Marie Curie, an organisation which provides help and support for many people and their families across the district.

Maurice and Philip, who helped Team Annett raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease charity, hope to swell Marie Curie’s coffers next weekend.

And they hope their efforts and those of the other members of Team Annett will be supported by people across the district for what they have described as a “very worthy cause.”

Maurice said: “It is a pleasure to be associated with Team Annett and to engage in the various fundraisers organised by Eric Lyons. 

“To date, money has been raised for the Motor Neurone Disease organisation but next Saturday all the money we raise will go towards another worthy cause. Cancer has touched the lives of so many people, that is why Team Annett wants to do what it can to help Marie Curie.”

Maurice added: “There will be about 50 people taking part in the coastal walk and it will be an early start for us all as we plan to leave around 6am, with the walk due to start just over two hours later. What we need is a dry day, not too hot with maybe a slight onshore breeze to help keep us cool.”

Anyone who would like to support Team Annett can so by visiting www.justgiving.com/TeamAnnett.