Downs & Proud of fundraisers

The people of Lurgan helped raise a whopping £10,850 for Downs & Proud at the weekend during the charity’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Apr 2014, 11:15 BST
Drivers Gary Hoy, Dermy Hoy and Myles Scullion with Jackie Bunting of Downs and Proud and Jay Beatty.Drivers Gary Hoy, Dermy Hoy and Myles Scullion with Jackie Bunting of Downs and Proud and Jay Beatty.
Drivers Gary Hoy, Dermy Hoy and Myles Scullion with Jackie Bunting of Downs and Proud and Jay Beatty.

Little Jay Beatty, who’s mum and dad Aine and Martin founded the charity soon after he was born, said he was ‘so proud’ of everyone.

The highlight of the weekend was an amazing Gumball Run Herbie Tour of Ireland which raised an amazing total of £5000.

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Myles Scullion, Dermy Hoy and Gary Hoy raced around Ireland in less than 24 hours and were greeted to a tremendous welcome at the Woodville on Saturday night.

It was part of a weekend of entertainment including a storytelling session on Saturday morning and a children’s fancy dress disco in the afternoon. Lots of Disney characters turned up.

A 50 strong group of bikers called at the Woodville and gave some of the children bike rides and raised lots of cash. After a quiz and evening disco Garth Brooks impersonator Jonny Brooks drew a raffle for the tickets to see the country star.

Martin Beatty paid tribute to the Gumball drivers. “They borrowed and stole to raise as much money as they could and put a lot of thought into it. They were brilliant.”

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He also paid tribute to the people of Lurgan: “Lurgan doesn’t always get much credit but when it comes to raising money for charity they are fantastic, both sides of the community. And it is great to raise awareness of Downs Syndrome.”

This weekend sees the Marie Hoy gaelic tournament and all proceeds will be going to Downs & Proud.