Ballyhalbert Harriers present the proceeds of their fundraising to Donaghadee RNLI Lifeboat 

A midnight run on Midsummers Night might well conjure up images of tanned runners gracefully gliding around a 5K route on a lovely warm, dusky evening.

Alas, the reality was somewhat different last month, when the members of Ballyhalbert Harriers and their invited friends battled their way through gale force winds and heavy rain during the inaugural Midsummers Night 5k Run.

Nevertheless, the run on the longest day of the year was for a very worthy cause, as the designated recipient of the proceeds was the RNLI at Donaghadee.

Indeed, the weather was so bad, that the Harriers suggested the lifeboat should be on standby in case a runner was blown into the sea as they ran along the shore road straight into a strong headwind!

The runners headed out from the harbour car park in groups of six, socially distancing in accordance with the Covid-19 regulations  and  were met with some rather bemused looks from locals, as they splashed their way through the village in Hi-Viz jackets and flashing head torches. However, when they reached the finish line, the Harriers received a well-earned commemorative medal for their efforts, but more importantly, they had raised £400.00 towards the work of the RNLI Donaghadee Lifeboat, a service that each and every one living on the Peninsula greatly values and appreciates and in particular, the fantastic commitment of the brave volunteers who go to sea in order to save a life.

Evelyn Bennett, fundraising chairperson at Donaghadee Lifeboat station commented,

‘On behalf of all of us at Donaghadee Lifeboat Station, I should like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the members of Ballyhalbert Harriers for generously thinking of us during what is a very challenging time for fundraising.’

Donaghadee Lifeboat Shop continues to remain closed due to Covid-19 restrictions but should anyone wish to purchase they can still support their local shop by going online to https://shop.rnli.org/ and use the code DONAGHADEE to receive free delivery.