Maureen’s Trike Challenge

COLERAINE FC sends its best wishes to supporter Maureen Davidson ahead of her big fundraising event tomorrow…

The Portstewart woman is embarking on a triangle trike challenge this Sunday (February 6) to raise funds for The Olive Branch, which offer a free of charge, self-referral, no-appointment necessary professional counselling service in the town, Magherafelt and Ballymena.

Maureen will complete the challenge wearing a Coleraine strip on her infamous trike and representatives from the club will also be getting involved.

The levels of generosity have already been fantastic as over £5,000 has been raised so far.

Supporters and members of the public are invited down to The Showgrounds at 9:30am on Sunday to give Maureen some words of encouragement before her 10am start.

People can donate to Maureen’s cause with collection points at The Showgrounds, Portstewart Promenade and the Metropole in Portrush.

A JustGiving page has also been set-up for donations HERE.

Leone Paul, director at The Olive Branch alongside Alan Mulholland, insists fundraising has been vital for the organisation.

“Olive Branch have highlighted how the people of Northern Ireland experience between 20-25% higher levels of mental health illness compared to the rest of the UK and around 1 in 5 adults are reported to have a diagnosable mental health condition at any given time,” she said.

“Northern Ireland also has the highest rate of suicide in the UK. The proportion of spend however on mental health still remains the lowest in the UK.

“The pandemic has had a very detrimental effect on mental health Province-wide and we have three free of charge, no appointment necessary, self- referral Mental Health and Counselling Centres in Coleraine, Magherafelt and Ballymena.

“Maureen’s selfless fundraising is amazing and we are in awe of her willingness to do the challenge and raise funds for The Olive Branch.

“We know she will ace it and we are looking forward to seeing her out in her trike with a Coleraine strip on.”

Maureen acknowledged that she wanted to give something back to The Olive Branch due to their kindness after she lost her husband.

“I am part of a sea swimming group, Seabirds Bathing Club, Portstewart. Their designated charity is The Olive Branch so I soon became aware of their free of charge, professional counselling services in Coleraine, Magherafelt & Ballymena,” she added.

“Both founders of Seabirds are also involved heavily with the charity. Jillian McCarthy of The Olive Branch & Seabirds, Portstewart was my rock throughout the toughest year of my life as I lost my beloved husband Colin after 46 years of marriage.

“As thanks to Jillian & The Olive Branch I am doing this charity trike ride to give something back and hopefully raise a good sum to help them continue with their great work in our community.”