Hundreds raised for Hope House at Tesco ‘spinathon’

Staff from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service joined other volunteers to take part in a spin cycle marathon at the Minorca Place branch last Thursday and Friday.

The event was organised in aid of Hope House, a Whitehead-based respite service founded in late 2013 by local couple Dawn and Roy McConnell.

Whitehead firefighter Noel McKee, who took part in the fundraiser, said: “A total of £2481.52 was raised; no expenses were incurred so this means that every penny that was donated goes straight to the charity.”

Hope House, which is based at the seafront in the village, allows those who are going through a cancer diagnosis the use of a fully furnished, two bedroom apartment, free of charge.

It is based around the concept that the restful surroundings have a profound effect on immune function and our sense of well-being.

Dawn told the Times: “Thanks to all who assisted and thanks to the public who gave so generously. It was lovely to meet everyone and hear some of the people’s personal stories of standing up to cancer and how they would have welcomed time away in Hope House for their loved ones.

“Holy Trinity Church [will be] hosting our next event on May 21; they will be donating all the profits from their cafe sales on the day to Hope House.

“We are also thrilled to have two teams running in the Belfast Marathon to help raise funds.”

For more information on Hope House, visit the charity’s website at http://hopehouseireland.org/