A YOUNG Loughinisland woman, who is counting down the weeks until she heads to South America for a fundraising trip of a lifetime, has thanked locals for their generosity to date and revealed details of another event which will raise further funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
This August Anna Uhomoibhi will be part of a team which treks to Machu Picchu in Peru, perched more than 7,000 feet above sea level.
Anna, who is nearing the end of her first year of university in England, where she is studying Psychology, aims to raise as much as she can for the charity, when she and a group of fellow Newcastle University students take on the climb.
Following a hugely successful quiz night in Newcastle over the Easter holidays, which raised over £1,000, the local teenager has just launched a competition, offering entrants the opportunity to win a voucher for a ‘Fourball at the Faldo Course’ in the beautiful Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen.
This coveted prize, worth over £300 for a game on this spectacular course, which is renowned for challenging and delighting players of all abilities, could be yours for as little as the £5 raffle ticket, which can be bought online.
The par 72 course boasts incredible year-round playing conditions, is cradled by the two loughs that surround the resort and offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the game in its purest form.
Players get to follow in the footsteps of golfing legends such as Sir Nick Faldo, Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington as they step up to tee off.
In addition, to boost the fundraising, donation jars are now located in the Brennan’s Dundrum and Loughinisland stores, where Anna used to have a part-time job.
Her former primary school, St Macartan’s, has also been very supportive – with a recent non-uniform day boosting the amount contributed to date by a further £350.
Having amassed donations of over £2,200, via her justgiving.com page, Anna is thrilled by the wider community’s kindness, adding that every pound raised will help to make a difference.
Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) is the only charity dedicated to providing specialised nurses, youth workers and hospital units in the NHS so the young people have the necessary support throughout their treatment and beyond.
Anna explained that for every £25 raised for the charity, it enables a one-hour session with a youth support co-ordinator, who provides the support young people need for studies, relationships and their mental wellbeing throughout their cancer journey.
Anna, who is in the midst of exams, is looking forward to returning home next month, when the Mournes will beckon as she trains for her trek.
Studying Psychology, and with a particular interest in mental health and wellbeing, Anna explained that she has a special interest in the work of TCT.
Its aims “really struck a chord”, she added, especially as it works with people aged between 13 and 24.
“This charity ensures young people have someone in their corner from the start.
“When I imagined putting myself in the shoes of someone with a young family member or friend following a cancer diagnosis, I know that I would want them to get the very best care and support possible and that’s why I agreed to take part in this challenge.
“The Trust provides support so cancer patients do not feel isolated, and that opportunities are provided so they get to meet someone who can relate to them,” she added.
Anna reiterated her, and her family’s, thanks to everyone who has supported them to date.
“I would like to thank everyone for their amazing support, from individual donations no matter the size to the local businesses kind enough to donate prizes for the quiz night, as well as St Macartan’s Primary School and all the families in Loughinisland for their generosity,” she said.
“I couldn’t have taken on this challenge without all this support and am overwhelmed with gratitude for each and every donation that brings both myself and the charity closer to the fundraising goal, enabling Teenage Cancer Trust to make a significant difference to the lives of those who battle cancer.”
With just a few weeks to go before reaching her fundraising deadline, Anna said she is pleased to be able to offer the ‘Four Ball on the Faldo’ competition.
“Any golf enthusiast will be delighted to share in this fantastic prize for four people to enjoy a captivating round of golf on the championship Faldo Course,” she continued.
Having already funded the near £4,000 required for August’s trip, each and every penny Anna raises will go to TCT.
She added that all the money donated will assist TCT’s support services and fund vital research.
“The Trust works closely with local charities to ensure young people across Northern Ireland can access age-appropriate specialist support close to home.”
The charity contributes towards the salaries of five Teenage and Young Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist posts, in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and in four designated hospitals within the Northern, Southern, South Eastern and Western health and social care trusts.
They also funded the enhancement of clinical spaces at Craigavon, Antrim and Ulster hospitals as well as the North West Cancer Centre to improve the physical space for young people during treatment and continue to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to improve outcomes for our young people with cancer and to raise the issues that matter most to them.
If you would like to support Anna’s endeavours, please visit www.justgiving.com/anna-u and, to enter the raffle, visit the www.raffall.com website and using its search facility, type in Anna’s full name.
This draw will end at either noon on Sunday 30 June or when the last ticket is sold – whichever comes sooner.