CELEBRITY couple Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid have sent a Christmas message of thanks to frontline workers in Derry following a "really tough year".
In the video, Ms Cox - the American actress best known for her role as Monica in the TV comedy Friends - said "We just want to thank all the people at Ráth Mór in Creggan for all the incredible work you have done this year."
Mr McDaid, Derry-born songwriter and guitarist with the band Snow Patrol, added: "Well done guys, thank you so much for all the work, it's so appreciated. And I know it's been a really tough year but here's to a great 2021 ahead."
The couple were lending their support to a Christmas celebration organised by Creggan Enterprises Ltd (CEL), which runs the Ráth Mór centre housing a range of businesses and community services.
The live-streamed Facebook event will take place on Saturday December 19 (1pm-3pm) and feature music and contributions from local schools as well as prize giveaways.
Numerous messages of support are being passed on to the frontline workers at the Ráth Mór centre, and beyond, via brief video clips in the run-up to Christmas.
Lovely Christmas message to the Ráth Mór community, thanking everyone for their hard work over the past year, from @johnnymcdaid and @CourteneyCox. pic.twitter.com/0dy45ncEA6
— Ráth Mór Creggan (@mor_rath) December 11, 2020
CEL’s development executive Conal McFeely said at this time of year it would customarily thank all its tenants, staff, customers and users for their support.
"This message carries an even greater significance this year in light of the Covid crisis and its impact on the community and local economy... and we extend our immense gratitude to all the frontline workers here at Ráth Mór and wider area who have continued to service this community throughout this difficult time.
"There has been so much going on within the community to support people throughout the last number of months. Efforts were really stepped up to support people slipping through the statutory support net, and the wider grassroots community sector really came to the fore amid the health crisis and the varying levels of restrictions and lockdown."
