Back row left to right: Therese Maguire Cool FM, Paddy McCartan Mourne Rescue, Joe McCann Newcastle AC, Donna Cochrane Ulster Bank, Ashlene Rodgers Ulster Bank and Ian McCracken Mourne Rescue.  Front row left to right: Deon McNeilly Newcastle AC, Mark Hanna Mourne Rescue, Jerome McCrickard  Newcastle AC.

By Amy Cochrane 

As part of Newcastle Athletics Club’s end of season Hill & Dale Charity Race, the club supported some amazing local charities. Instead of charging an entry fee for the event, they asked for donations and this year they raised a fantastic £1700; donating £1000 to Mourne Mountain Rescue and £700 to Cash For Kids NI.

The donation to Cash For Kids (Children with cancer) was through Ulster Bank Killyleagh’s highly successful ‘One Week In June’ campaign. Newcastle AC’s Joe McCann said, “Working in conjunction with Ulster Bank this year we decided to donate some of the funds raised to the very worthwhile cause that Ulster Bank have been supporting.” The Ulster Bank Killyleagh have raised over £8000 through a number of exciting events held locally over the past few months, organised by Donna Cochrane and Killyleagh Branch Manager Ashlene Rodgers. 

Mourne Mountain Rescue also work closely with Newcastle Athletics Club and volunteer to marshal at a number of races on a regular basis. Mr McCann commented that, “Mountain rescue are lifelong supporters of the Hill and Dale races…As a voluntary organisation every donation or funding they get goes a long way.”

It was a rewarding finale for the Newcastle Athletics Club and helping this local charity and volunteer group will benefit the community tremendously. Ulster Bank, Mourne Mountain Rescue and Cash For Kids would like to thank Newcastle AC for their generous donations.