Big-hearted Andy donates Care Pack to Altnagelvin Covid ward

Omagh man Andy Campbell (centre) presents PPE and other items to staff from Altnagelvin hospital on Thursday evening last. Andy raised the funds from sponsored ‘Stay at Home’ activities including a half-marathon in his garden and a 6 hour running challenge. Included in the photograph are COVID-19 Assessment Centre nurses Staff Nurse Yvonne O’Kane, Staff Nurse Tamara O’Brien, Staff Nurse Zara Farrell and Deputy Sister Hazel Gallo. DER2020GS – 017

Andy Campbell is well versed in fund-raising initiatives having initiated many over the past 24 years for different charities. His latest has seen him raise enough money to buy 10 large care packages for local hospitals and facilities.

Andy was praised by staff after he arrived with the delivery on Thursday evening.

He spoke to those gathered at Altnagelvin during the Act of Remembrance and a Clap for Heroes, and afterwards the Omagh native told the Journal: “At the start of lockdown, I decided that I wanted to do something to help our frontline heroes, so I planned to run a Half Marathon around my garden and park on a 0.3 mile loop on Saturday, April 18.

“The following week, Saturday April 25, I set off on a six-hour Running Challenge and covered a further 29 miles. I have also a virtual challenge up and going at the moment too for anyone looking some motivation. Simply walk, jog, run or cycle any distance of your choice and donate £10 to my fundraising link //paypal.me/pools/c/8oINErwAgs”

Everyone receives a medal on completion of their walk, run or cycle, Andy said, adding: “To date I’ve raised in the region of £1,800 in money and the equivalent of £2000+ in donations of face shields, face masks and hand sanitiser, which I am really grateful for. I have 10 Care Packages already handed over, including to Altnagelvin COVID Ward, the District Nurses in the Omagh, Newtownstewart and Drumquin areas, local nursing homes in Omagh and NW Care Community Carers.”

In a special message to all those who helped him with the challenge and on Thursday night Andy said: “I would like to thank everyone who has donated anything over the past few weeks to me.

“I would also like to thank Ian and Alison from Unison for helping me arrange Thursday night’s Act Of Remembrance and Clap night; Micky Doherty for setting up the sound system, and the Rev. Lyndsay Blair, the hospital Chaplain for his professional manner in taking the prayers and to everyone for their kind words and encouragement.”