Life

Outdoors: Sperrins walkers urged to back organ donation charity

Lawrence McBride of north-west outdoor pursuits company Far and Wild, Derry City and Strabane District Council mayor Maolíosa McHugh, and the council's marketing officer Emma Devine. Walkers at next month's Sperrins and Killeter Walking Festival, hosted by the council, are urged to raise funds for an organ donation charity
Lawrence McBride of north-west outdoor pursuits company Far and Wild, Derry City and Strabane District Council mayor Maolíosa McHugh, and the council's marketing officer Emma Devine. Walkers at next month's Sperrins and Killeter Walking Fes Lawrence McBride of north-west outdoor pursuits company Far and Wild, Derry City and Strabane District Council mayor Maolíosa McHugh, and the council's marketing officer Emma Devine. Walkers at next month's Sperrins and Killeter Walking Festival, hosted by the council, are urged to raise funds for an organ donation charity

WALKERS in this year’s Sperrins and Killeter Walking Festival are being encouraged to mark Organ Donation Week by helping to raise funds and awareness for an organ donation charity founded by a Co Tyrone transplant survivor.

Aaron Smyth founded his organ donation awareness campaign after his own successful transplant operation last year when he became the first adult from Northern Ireland to receive a live liver transplant.

His charity aims to raise funds for Kings Hospital London, the Royal Victoria Hospital Liver Support Group and organ donation awareness group Live Life Give Life which played a supporting role in his life-changing procedure.

A group of employees from Sperrins and Killeter Walking Festival hosts Derry City and Strabane District Council, led by Aaron’s mum Jean Smyth, plan to complete a walk at the event on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday September 16 and 17 in aid of the charity but all walkers at the festival and the wider public are being encouraged to get involved.

:: To post your 'heart in hand gesture' walking images on social media, tag @sperrinskilleterwalking using the hashtags #YesIDonate #sperrinskilleterwalking. You can donate to Aaron Smyth’s organ donation fund now at www.gofundme.com/aaron-smyth. Organ Donation Week runs from September 4-11

Murder mystery

ON JANUARY 20 1852 landlord and magistrate Meredith Chambre was shot by Ribbonmen at Drumintee. Co Armagh, in circumstances that remain disputed. Did he survive? Who committed such a crime and why?

To find out more, head to Slieve Gullion Forest Park in south Armagh this morning (10am-12.30pm) where, as part of the Lúnasa Festival, a guide who will take you to the key sites of the story. The murder mystery experience will involve a little walking and a short bus journey. Booking is essential; cost is £2. For more contact Seamus on +3538 7367 1861.

On Thursday August 10 a guide and local historian leads a guided walk through the villages of Mullaghbane and Forkhill, taking in their joint hinterland. The walk will be followed by an evening of music, showcasing the talents of the Ring of Gullion Traditional Arts Partnership.

:: For details of more Ring of Gullion events and the Lúnasa Festival programme see ringofgullion.org/events/