Schoolchildren step up for Altnagelvin patients

Pictured presenting the cheque front row are Lisnagelvin PS pupils Robbie and Ellie Lynch and Eli and Cilian Doherty along with their teacher Mrs Allison Buchan. Back row are Trauma & Orthopaedic Unit staff Mary Lafferty, Acting Nursing Services Manager; Rosin Kelly, Elective Orthopaedic Unit Manager; Sinead McDermott, Staff Nurse; Daphne Cuthbert, Health Care Assistant and Darren Colhoun, Health Care Assistant

Young pupils from Lisnagelvin Primary School in the Waterside have managed to keep active in lockdown - and all for a great cause inspired by Captain Tom Moore.

The pupils have been taking part in a fun exercise challenge to raise money for Altnagelvin Hospital.

The Western Health and Social Care Trust yesterday praised the “tremendous fundraising efforts of Lisnagelvin Primary School pupils who undertook a fun exercise challenge to raise money for Altnagelvin Hospital’s Trauma & Orthopaedic Unit”.

Colin Torrens, Principal at Lisnagelvin Primary School said: “Inspired by the fundraising efforts of Captain Tom Moore to raise funds for the NHS, the children wanted to raise money for our own local hospital.

“In the week leading up to what should have been the London marathon, the children were asked to take part in some exercise by walking round their garden 26 times, or walk 2.6km as part of their daily exercise, or do 26 bunny hops, or any other type of exercise relating to the number 26.

“They then went onto a JustGiving page and made a small donation.

“We set a target of £600 and we are delighted to raise an incredible total of £1,700 for Ward 5, Trauma & Orthopaedic Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital.”

A spokesperson for the Western Health and Social Care Trust said yesterday: “Thank you to the pupils and staff of Lisnagelvin Primary School your donation which will go into the patient’s comfort fund for the benefit of staff and patients on the ward.”