Write a commentAt Half-Time of Down’s Round 1 Qualifier with Tipperary on Sunday 9th June 2019, participants in Down GAA’s Belfast Marathon Relay Teams presented PIPS Hope and Support with a cheque for an amazing £1,672.00. The funds raised were raised by members from clubs across the county who donned the Red and Black on Sunday 5th May in the Belfast Marathon and ran various distances of the relay event for an excellent cause.
Maureen O’Higgins, Chairperson of the PR and Communications Committee, and one of the ten Relay Runners, said the county recognises the important work that PIPS Hope and Support do in the local community and felt it was important they gave something back by raising awareness and funds in the hope that their efforts would support the most vulnerable in the local area. “The Down GAA PR Committee and Communications committee were delighted to get involved in increasing awareness of PIPS through participating in the 2019 Belfast Marathon. Mental health issues have unfortunately affected members of the GAA and wider communities in recent times, but it is encouraging to know that there is services out there like PIPS Hope and Support that can help people in times of difficulty.”
Maureen continued, “A sincere thank you to the county board for their support with this initiative, to our team of ten fabulous runners who put in the hard yards in training and on the day itself and also each and every individual who supported us through donations and also along the route. It was brilliant craic and a great day for all involved. It was refreshing to hear the Down jerseys getting cheered on every step of the way!”
Paddy Mageean, PIPS Hope and Support Fundraiser, thanked Maureen, the Relay Runners, Down GAA and all involved who supported their fundraising initiatives. “PIPS Hope and Support wish to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to Maureen, the Relay Runners, Down GAA and all involved who supported their fundraising initiatives for raising this fantastic amount for our charity. Without the support of the local community, PIPS Hope and Support simply couldn't deliver the much-needed help and support services we provide to our community.”
Paddy finished by saying “The considerable funds raised will deliver resources to benefit and support vulnerable people within our community, helping them address issues affecting their quality of life as well as providing education programmes to people on how they can help reduce the risk of suicide in our greater community. PIPS Hope and Support send our thanks and best wishes and all at Down GAA and wish all their teams every success.”
