Mortifying mustachios epitomiseCorinthian fundraising spirit

Lincoln Courts man Neil Bronze, who led the charge said: “We did the cheque handover this morning, Saturday, February 13, to Ward 6, the Children’s ward.

“We managed a pretty credible £2,000 for something as simple as embarrassing ourselves for the month of November with some pretty awful top lip growth.

“That’s in excess of £5,000 the kids have benefitted between the two ‘Movembers’ thus far.”

After their first charity fundraiser in 2014 the Corintians team used the money to buy toys and gifts and vouchers to the tune of £2,000 as well as five 22 inch flat screen TVs.

The rest of the money, approximately £200, was used to buy Tesco vouchers and was presented to the Ward sister to purchase some biscuits and treats for the staff .

This year, following discussions with staff, much needed new gear will be purchased with the £2,000 donation.

“This time round the staff in the Ward told us of their desire to purchase some much needed equipment and supplies, so this time they got the money to spend on how they see fit.

“As with all successful charity events, the onus is always on the people who so kindly donated when we thrust our sponsorship sheets under their noses.

“Therefore a huge thanks must go to the following for their support.

“Our fellow teams and committee of the North West Darts League, all our family and friends, the staff and management of Tesco, Lisnagelvin, the management and staff of Derry City Council offices, the staff of Ward 3, Altnagelvin hospital, the management and staff of Primark, the management and staff of Foyle Meats, and finally several local Waterside businesses who were visited by a very pink moustached Keith Moore for one final push,” said Neil.

Team member Derek Leonard also handed over £500 to the Seven Oaks Care Home who wanted to make a personal contribution due to the excellent care provided to his father-in-law, a resident of the home.

Neil, meanwhile, is no stranger to charity fundraising, having regularly undertaken initiatives to help raise money for the Children’s Heartbeat Trust over recent years.

Neil’s son Lewis survived life-saving open heart surgery when he was just three months old back in 2004.

Ever since Neil has felt indebted to the health workers in Londonderry and Belfast who helped save his life, hence his ongoing fundraising efforts.

During one fundraiser US Open champion Graeme McDowell, fifteen time World darts champion Phil “The Power” Taylor, and Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom were just three of a range of top class sporting personalities who donated signed memorabilia for a fundraising auction that was used to raise money for the Heartbeat Trust, which has been supporting the families of children with heart disease since 1984.