Race2Recovery Summer ball raises over £2k

More than £2000 was raised for the charity thanks to the generosity of local people.

Organiser Claire Todd explained that the idea for the ball came about after Galgorm soldier Philip (Barney) Gillespie was wounded while serving with the Royal Irish in Afghanistan.

She said: “Barney is actually the reason the Ball has happened. Being friends with his girlfriend Kirsty, I had heard how he had become involved with this charity.

“Only five months after being injured he joined the Race2Recovery team and in fact is the only member still receiving treatment and surgery for his injuries.

“Seeing the determination and attitude Barney had to life after suffering something many would find devastating I thought something should be done in his hometown to support this great cause.

“However, I cannot take the all credit for the night as in all honestly without a few people the Ross Park would have been empty. I need to say a huge thank you to Billy Millar and Kirsty Crawford for all they did to help me bring the night together.

“I must also thank the Ross Park and their staff for for serving up a fantastic meal and helping us in every way.

“I also want to thank Darren Cumberland for providing photography on the evening and Ken Stewart for greeting everyone with the sound of the bagpipes as they arrived. David Gourley must also receive a thank you for his talk on the history of the R.I.R, a piece enjoyed by everyone.

“There are a number of people who have donated prizes and money. A huge thank you must go to Slemish n tha Braid Credit Union, Harryville Partnership Initiative, Robin Swann MLA, Michael Hayes, Ashbrooke Interiors, JTI, J & R keys Tiles, 2nd Battalion R.I.R and all those who gave so generously either on the night or before. Please know that everything has been greatly appreciated.”

You can follow the success of the Race2Recovery team on Facebook and Twitter. If you would also like to donate money to this great cause you can do so at www.justgiving.com/Claire-Todd0