Dromore people urged to ‘zip into action’

A CALL has gone out to the people of Dromore to ‘zip into action’ to raise funds for the families of babies who are born too soon.

TinyLife, Northern Ireland’s premature and vulnerable baby charity, is urging locals to sign up for a zipline event on Satruday, June 16.

Participants will be lifted 100ft off the ground in a crane, harnessed up and sent on their way by wire, 1000ft across Belfast Lough.

Organisers are describing the event as an exhilarating challenge, not for the faint hearted.

Kimberly Hill, a member of the Friends of TinyLife Fundraising Group, is fronting a recruitment campaign to encourage local people to get involved in the zipline event and raise vital funds for the charity.

“I know from personal experience having a premature baby can be demanding,” she said. “My son Jonathan was born at 29 weeks, weighing 3lb 2.5oz; thankfully today he is a healthy 19-year-old.

“TinyLife is an amazing charity that exists to ease the pressures on the parents of premature babies. I would urge you to take up the Zipline Challenge; it really is one of those things you should try at least once in your life!”

Valerie Cromie, Fundraising Manager for TinyLife, added, “Every day in Northern Ireland seven babies are born too soon; some will arrive as early as 24 weeks and weigh as little as 1lb.

“The zipline is an amazing way to get a bird’s eye view of Belfast. Places are limited; anyone interested in signing up for the challenge should contact TinyLife on 028 9081 5050 or email [email protected].

“Each participant is asked to pay an entry fee of £35 and raise a minimum of £100 sponsorship.”