The ‘Mary’s Race to a Million’ campaign launched in Belfast

HRH Princess Anne talks to Mary Peters during a reception at the 40th Anniversary celebrations of Mary Peters winning the Gold Medal at the Olympics. The gala dinner was held at Belfast City Hall. Photo by Simon Graham/Harrison Photography.

The Mary Peters Trust, Northern Ireland’s premier sporting charity, has celebrated its 40th anniversary by announcing a legacy campaign which will secure its future for the next 40 years and beyond.

The black tie event was attended by almost 400 supporters and athletes linked to the Mary Peters Trust.

The ‘Mary’s Race To A Million’ campaign was officially launched by the Trust’s Patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne at a gala dinner in Belfast City Hall on Saturday.

The Princess Royal, accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, first attended a private reception and met with Trust-aided athletes including Britain’s Winter Paralympic gold medal skier Kelly Gallagher; middle distance runner Michael McKillop, a multiple Paralympic gold medallist; British motorcycle champion Josh Elliott; hockey international Eugene Magee; and blind water ski champion Janet Gray.

Since its founding in 1975, the Mary Peters Trust has helped over 5,000 sports people in Northern Ireland. Alumni include Graeme McDowell, David Humphreys, Paddy Barnes, Michael Conlon, Kelly Gallagher, Michael McKillop, Janet Gray and Katie Kirk.