Grandmother raises over £1,000 for Positive Futures group

Mrs Hughes' grandson Martin Fitzpatrick is supported by the charity and in the last year she has raised well over 1,000 for its Lisburn Families Service.

Speaking about her fundraising throughout the year, Peggy said: "The support our whole family and especially my daughter Claire and grandson Martin receive from Positive Futures is just fantastic.

"I couldn't think of better way to say thanks."

The fundraising year began in Spring with a coffee morning at Peggy's home.

With the support of many friends, this raised 260.

Bag packing in July was next on the agenda. Mrs Hughes joined her grandson Aaron, who has autism, and her daughter Claire at Tesco, Lisburn, where packing customers' bags and a car park collection brought in 970.

To round the year off and take the total to 1340, Peggy asked people to forget about presents for her 'significant birthday' and make a donation to Positive Futures instead.

Positive Futures' Lisburn Families Service said they wanted to thank Mrs Hughes for her sense of fun, energy and commitment and for the much-needed support. The funds will be used in Lisburn to support young people with a learning disability and their families, by getting them involved in their local community just like everyone else.

Peggy Hughes with her daughter Claire Fitzpatrick and grandson Aaron Fitzpatrick bag packing at Tesco on the second leg of her fundraising triathalon.