Council’s Veterans’ Champion congratulates former serviceman on completion of Medicine Ball challenge
Tue, January 18, 2022
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Veterans’ Champion has congratulated a former serviceman who spent seven days attached to a medicine ball as part of a fundraising initiative.
Alderman Sharon McKillop met Andrew Harney at the Giant’s Causeway on the final day of his week-long challenge which he completed to raise funds and awareness about veterans’ mental health.
Handcuffed to the 3kg weight, chosen to symbolise the heavy load that sufferers of PTSD and mental health issues can carry in their everyday lives, Andrew walked over 90 kilometres along the coastline in the Bushmills, Portstewart, Portrush and The Giant’s Causeway areas, and took part in a hike to the top of Slieve Donard
Congratulating Andrew on the completion of the challenge, Alderman McKillop said: “I was delighted to meet local man Andrew Harney at the Giant’s Causeway to thank him for his fundraising efforts.
“Andrew’s successful completion of this challenge is a reminder of the many dedicated people who work tirelessly to support our veterans.
“This fundraising effort highlights once again the need to take care of our armed forces for their bravery, dedication and sacrifice. Accessing help and services is vital for those suffering mental health issues as a result of their service."
Andrew, who served for 13 years with the 1st Battalion Queens Lancashire Regiment and 9th Royal Irish took on the Medicine Ball Challenge in aid of Combat Stress, a dedicated charity which provides mental health and PTSD recovery support to serving personnel and veterans.
To date Andrew’s fundraising challenge has raised over £700. To donate visit https://events.soldierscharity.org/fundraisers/andrewharney.
To find out more about the role of Council’s Veterans’ Champion go to https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/council/council-champions/veterans-champion.
