The Mary Peters Trust has launched a series of events in a final push in its ‘Mary’s Race to a Million’ fundraising campaign which aims to hit its £1 million target before Dame Mary Peters’ 80th birthday next year.

For more than 40 years, the Mary Peters Trust has played a huge part in the lives of thousands of young sportsmen and women, both able bodied and disabled, to help realise their sporting dreams by providing financial support.

‘Mary’s Race to a Million’ campaign was launched two years ago and has already raised two thirds of its target. As the finish line looms, the Trust has launched a series of events that will culminate in a grand gala ball at Titanic Belfast on 31st May.

Commenting on the final countdown Dame Mary Peters CH, DBE said:

“To date we have been overwhelmed by the support of the public, businesses and celebrities as we aim to safeguard the future of the charity for decades to come.

“Over recent months, I’ve really enjoyed meeting so many lovely people who have joined me in ticking various challenges off ‘my bucket list’, including abseiling, zip-lining and today pulling my first pint in the Dark Horse in Belfast with my old friend Willie Jack.

“Northern Ireland really is a hot-bed of young sporting talent performing on a global stage and I’m delighted to say the Mary Peters Trust has assisted many of our sports stars achieve their sporting dreams.”

The Mary Peters Trust alumni down the years is impressive, all six of the Ulster players in the Irish Hockey World Cup finals had received funding from the charity.

Add to that Carl Frampton, Graeme McDowell, Paddy Barnes, Michael Conlan, Kelly Gallagher, Bethany Firth, Michael McKillop and Gold Medal Gymnastic Commonwealth Games 2018 Rhys McClenaghan.

Dame Mary continued:

“The vital supporting role of the Mary Peters Trust on the journey to sporting success for many is a testament to the importance of the Trust to Northern Irish sport.

“We strive to continually make sporting dreams a reality – a goal that ‘Mary’s Race to a Million’ will allow to be kept alive for future sporting stars.”

The fundraising calendar, counting down to the gala ball on 31st May is full of anticipated annual events and exciting new escapades that include:

  • Ziplining Across the Lagan (16 August)
  • Trainers for the Trust (Launching September)
  • Sporting Christmas Lunch (14 December)
  • Spin-to-a-Million Spinathon (1 February)
  • Golf and Guitars (April)
  • Mary’s Abseil (May)
  • Gala Dinner (31 May)

Looking forward, Dame Mary said:

“I’m asking everyone for one final push over the next ten months, which will see us hit our goal of £1 million which is a direct investment in the future of Northern Irish sport.”

For more information on Mary Peters Trust and the upcoming events please follow Mary Peters Trust on Facebook.