Ballyclare schools support ‘Wall of Hope’ appeal

Mrs Bell, David Kerr and Mrs McKinty, from Ballyclare Secondary School,
presenting a cheque for £1665 to John Phillips, of the Northern Ireland Hospice. INNT 28-450-CON — Mrs Bell, David Kerr and Mrs McKinty, from Ballyclare Secondary School, presenting a cheque for £1665 to John Phillips, of the Northern Ireland Hospice. INNT 28-450-CON

Ballyclare Primary School, Ballyclare Secondary School and Fairview Primary were involved in the appeal locally.

All schools taking part were asked to raise £1,000 to help fund a special room in the new hospice, the relatives’ and children’s play area. To date, the appeal has raised £77,783.98.

John Phillips, community fundraiser, Northern Ireland Hospice, said: “The response to the appeal has exceeded all our expectations and we would like to extend a sincere thank you to each and every person who has been involved – teachers, staff, pupils and members of the general public.

“All the schools in Ballyclare involved should be very proud of what they have achieved. We could not realise the dream of rebuilding Somerton hospice without this tremendous support.

“The money raised will help create a special space within the new hospice, an area where families can spend time together and play, hopefully providing some respite at such a difficult time.

“Our appeal is not over yet. We need to raise £150,000 in total to complete the relatives’ and children’s play area and I would very much encourage other schools to get involved in the appeal. It is a great opportunity to teach pupils about the work of hospice in the local community, and when complete, there will also be the opportunity to visit and see around the new hospice before we open.”

For more information on the ‘Wall of Hope’ appeal or how your school can get involved, please contact Northern Ireland Hospice on 028 9078 1836 or email [email protected].