The McJazzy fest raises money for Tiny Life

The ‘McJazzy Fest’ attracted around 350 people to a location in the Ballymoney area recently and raised £750 for the Tiny Life charity.

Last Wednesday night, Valerie Cromie, a representative from Tiny Life, attended the Knockahollet home of John McGarry to receive a cheque and say thanks for the efforts put in by John and his family and friends.

The McGarry family became involved with Tiny Life after a cousin, Louise Connolly, gave birth to her daughter, Calli, prematurely in December.

The attention of Tiny Life staff and medical personnel at Antrim Area Hospital ensured that little Calli, who weighed just over 2 lbs. remained safe and well.

“It was our way of saying thankyou to Tiny Life and if this donation helps someone else, it will have been worthwhile,” John told the Times.

A good time was had by all at the fest with a number of bands providing rousing entertainment for a crowd who donated generously. A raffle also boosted funds.

This was the third year of the fest and, no doubt, it will run again next year.

John and his family and friends would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended, the bands and all who made the venture a success.

Valerie Cromie was generous in her praise for the organisers and said the money would be well spent.

Meanwhile, an appeal has gone out by TinyLife, Northern Ireland’s premature baby charity, to urge people to be part of something very special.

In association with Dawn McKeown of Portfolio Portraits, the charity are producing a book called ‘Tiny Tales of Hope’. The aim of the book is to give hope to families who have been touched by premature birth and show them that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The book will feature a collection of stories by families in Northern Ireland. We are looking for families in the local area to come forward and share their story with us. No matter how early their baby was or how long ago they were born – everyone has a unique story and we want to hear from them.

Anyone interested in sharing their story, should contact Samara @ TinyLife on 02890 815050 or Dawn @ Portfolio Portraits on 02825 632816.