Lynda's horsing around for ASBAH

Lynda Wright, who's seven-year-old daughter suffers for spina bifida and hydocefalis, decided to fundraise for the charity to say thank you for all the helped and supported they have given her over the years.

Little Katie Donnell was born with the condition however has shown great strength and courage attending school in Ballymena as well as attending to horse-riding lessons in Armoy.

Lynda from Leaney Terrace explained: "ASBAH has help me and many other families with children who have spina bifida and hydrocephalus over the years. For a while now I've been wanting to do something to thank them and help raise much-needed money which will benefit other families throughout the province.

"Most people do marathon's or fun runs to collect money but I wanted to do something different. Katie goes to horse-riding lessons in Armoy most weeks and she really loves it. It gives her the freedom, builds her confidence as well as great fun.

"So one day I thought why not organise horse riding lessons for people who have never done it before. Each person could get sponsored to take part in the half hour lesson and maybe it would help them in some way - fulfil a dream or to an end to a life-long fear."

Last Sunday, Lynda ran the lessons at Sheans Horse Farm in Armoy and attracted 30 sponsored beginners.

Lynda continued: "The whole day was amazing and a great success attracting 30 people including family and katie's friends.

"We ran five lessons from 2pm until after 6pm each with six people in which was a brilliant turnout. Some of the people were extremely brave taking on the challenge even though they were absolutely petrified."

Thanking everyone involved, Lynda added: "Danny from Sheans gave us the run of the farm and the horses and would not take a penny - I owe him a massive thanks. I would also like to thank Mags, Leanne and Aine for all their help with the lessons and leading the horses as well as all the people who took part or made a donation raising 1,400 is a job well done.

"And finally I would just like to thank my Katie, she is one in a million."

For more information go online to www.sheanshorsefarm.com or visit Sheans Horse Farm, 38 Coolkeeran Road, Armoy, e-mail: [email protected] or call 07759320434.