MENTAL health is once again at the forefront of an annual charity fundraiser held in memory of a Portaferry schoolgirl.
Now in its fourth year, Abi’s Butterfly Breeze was officially launched on Monday, encouraging keen walkers and runners to complete 103 miles over the course of a week, in memory of St Columba’s College pupil, Abi Rogers.
At just 15 years-old, Abi Rodgers lost her battle with mental health back in September 2018, leaving her family and the Portaferry community in complete devastation.
Channelling their grief into positive action, Abi’s family successfully organised an annual fundraising week, jam packed with walks, runs, quizzes and this year, a family fun day.
Following the great successes of previous years, the family once again decided to pay tribute to Abi with their dedicated week of fundraising, which ends on Sunday.
Funds raised during the week long event will be donated to ‘Bright Future’, in association with mental health charity Inspire, which aims to help young people care for their mental health
Hoping to celebrate Abi’s love of butterflies, the main challenge represents the 103 mile distance between Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House, near Downpatrick, and Malahide Gardens and Tropical World in Letterkenny.
“Abi loved butterflies and she was a major part of the youth club. She loved looking after kids and was very creative. This is a great way of keeping her memory alive as a legacy for her,” said Cathy Gilmore-Brodie, Abi’s mum.
This year, Abi’s family kicked things off with a walk around Letterkenny, before meeting with the Scrabo Striders that evening to clock up even more butterfly miles.
With a packed schedule, the family then headed to Anne Street football pitch in Portaferry on Tuesday to watch as the newly formed Abi’s Breezers took on the Portaferry over 40s in a charity match.
Four-legged friends then joined in the walking fun yesterday (Wednesday), when dog owners were encouraged to meet at the ferry terminal in Portaferry for a 5k or 10k walk with their furry companions – led by Cathy’s dog Tia.
Tonight (Thursday) a smartphone quiz is pencilled in at The Lep, with an array of raffle prizes to be won also, including a night at the Old Schoolhouse and vouchers for the Portaferry Hotel, Narrows, Physio Front, Eden Beauty, Snips and Snaps, John the Barbers and much more.
The quiz will begin at 8.30pm.
