Lisburn woman Kimberley Hill goes the extra mile to raise money for children's charity
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The Northern Ireland Women’s Football Team Captain and her family joined Kimberley and the other fundraisers in the ‘Walk to Scotland’ event, generating almost £10,000 for children’s Lapland charity, which will take 100 Northern Ireland Children living with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions to Rovaniemi this December — its first trip there in three years due to Covid restrictions.
The Children to Lapland trip is a much-loved experience that sees healthcare professionals here nominate 100 children from across the province to visit the magical location of Rovaniemi where Santa resides in a cavernous and truly magical winter wonderland, under the Arctic Circle.
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Hide AdMarissa, her wife Paula and son Quinn were part of the squad to walk the mapped circuit onboard the 2.5 hour journey.
She said: “We had a brilliant day on the Stena Line. I think the Walk To Scotland is such a fun day out for all the family to enjoy and a great way to raise funds for the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust.”
Marissa became ambassador for the charity during lockdown when attempts to fundraise were severely restricted.
NICLT’s President, Gerry Kelly, said: “We are so grateful to Marissa and the other much-valued walkers who joined our first Walk to Scotland since the pandemic. It is these people who make our trip to Lapland a reality. Without them and their generosity, we wouldn’t be able to do this.
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Hide Ad“They are heroes to us and we congratulate them on all their efforts.”
Chairman of NICLT, Colin Barkley, added: “On one day a year we fill an aeroplane with children with particular needs, their families, healthcare professionals and a host of equipment. The aircraft is effectively a flying hospital while the authorities in Lapland are aware of the nature of our flight and an ambulance and the local hospital are on standby.
“It’s no easy feat but one that delivers so much joy and creates life-long memories for all involved, and we are so happy to bring it back after a two-year break.”