£6,000 raised in aid of little Aimee

Michelle Neill and her husband Steven organised ‘Aimee’s Fun Day’ at the Church of the Holy Spirit to raise funds for their two-year-old daughter Aimee.

Little Aimee has a life-limiting condition and multiple complex health needs. Proceeds from the event, which was held on August 27, will help to pay for medical equipment and specialist therapies for her.

In total £6,000 was raised for Aimee through the fun day at the Manse Road church and fundraising efforts including quiz sheets and ballots beforehand, as well as funds raised at Hillside Boarding Kennels.

Speaking to the Times, Michelle said: “There were a couple of hundred people at the fundraiser and it was a really good atmosphere. A massive thanks goes to all of our sponsors on the day, as well as Red Head International who provided a trailer for us and the Belfast Super Heroes, who were a big hit with everyone in attendance. We would also like to thank the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Noreen McClelland for supporting the event.

“A special mention must also go to Murray’s Medical, who provided us with sensory equipment. They added to a really special day as we were able to have a sensory room which was enjoyed by Aimee and her friends from Hill Croft School, hospital and the hospice.”

Following the fundraiser, an order has already been placed for a Convaid Rodeo Tilt-In-Space Buggy- a specially manufactured buggy which has lateral support and a head rest. This piece of equipment is coming from the US and will make Aimee’s journeys more comfortable when it arrives in the coming weeks.

The fun day included a number of activities including a craft fair, barbecue, bouncy castles, a party bus, face painting, cake stall, Jo Jingles, Wiggle It, pony rides and much more.

Members of Ballyhenry Gospel Choir sang to the crowds, while there was musical entertainment from the Johnston Star band. A number of local line dancers also performed at the event.