‘Atrocious moustaches’ raise £3kfor Altnagelvin children’s ward

Well done to the 'Corinthians Darts Team' from the North West Dart League, who have helped raise almost £3,000 for the children's ward at Altnagelvin. Back row (left to right) Jimmy Dean, Raymond Campbell, Neil Bronze; and front Row (left to right) Davy Kee, Derek Leonard, Keith Moore, Austin McClay, sporting - by their own admission - some pretty atrocious moustaches during 'Movember.'

It’s for charity, they said!

Amongst the ‘magnificent seven’ who took part in the ‘Movember’ challenge was Neil Bronze, a Lincoln Court man who is no stranger to charity fundraising, having regularly undertaken initiatives to help raise money for the Children’s Heartbeat Trust over recent years.

Neil’s son Lewis survived life-saving open heart surgery when he was just three months old back in 2004.

Ever since Neil’s felt indebted to the health workers in Londonderry and Belfast who helped save his life.

The team has managed to raise £2,890 and has used the money to buy toys and equipment for Ward 6 at Altnagelvin.

Speaking to the Sentinel last week, Neil explained: “We are heading to the store [Smyth’s] to select some toys and gifts and vouchers to the tune of £2,000. We also purchased five 22 inch flat screen TVs.

“The rest of the money, approximately £200, will be used to buy Tesco vouchers and presented to the Ward sister to purchase some biscuits and treats for the staff for over the festive period.”

Neil said all the humiliation of sporting the moustaches throughout the whole of November had been well-worth the effort!

He also paid thanks to everyone who supported them along the way.

“The story cannot be complete without acknowledging the help from the family and friends of the team in aiding us in such an astonishing amount of money.

“In particular there are some special thanks to be included: Steve Austin and the staff and customers of Tesco Lisnagelvin, the staff of Meadowbank Nursing Home, the staff of Derry City Council, the staff at Altnagelvin Hospital. The support we received was beyond our wildest dreams.”