Staff and inmates from Magilligan Prison are walking in step this month to raise funds for two worthy causes at home and abroad – help for terminally ill patients in Malawi and the fight against Meningitis in Northern Ireland.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, 25 April), officers and inmates are undertaking a sponsored walk from Coleraine to Kilrea to buy vital medical supplies for patients in one of the poorest countries in the world.

The initiative to help people in the poverty-stricken African state of Malawi began last year after Kilrea woman Anne Dallat visited Mlambe Hospital, where she was shocked to find chronically ill patients lying on foam mattresses in the open.

“Some were cancer patients while others were suffering from HIV/AIDS and were being comforted by distraught relatives,” she said.

After returning to Northern Ireland, she contacted Magilligan Prison and asked for help.

The prison agreed and began to look at ways of raising funds. At Christmas inmates from Foyleview Resettlement Unit made decorations for sale to the public with all proceeds going to the hospital.

Mrs Dallat, who is going back to Malawi on May 14 to work for six weeks, said the money raised at Magilligan would make a big difference.

“The cash raised by the Magilligan staff and inmates will bring much needed comfort to some of the most disadvantaged people in the world,” she added.

Meanwhile, from April 30 to May 24, three Magilligan officers and five inmates will participate in the 500 mile ‘Walk of Giants - Beyond Borders’ charity walk on behalf of the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Officers Henry Thompson MBE, Rab Wilson and Rab Johnston are hoping to raise between £30,000 and £50,000 during the 25 day walk, which takes in 57 towns and villages north and south of the Irish border.

They will be joined in the early and latter stages of the walk by the five inmates from Foyleview. Members of the public have signed up to join them during their marathon trek.

Officer Thompson, who received his MBE for his work on behalf of the Meningitis Research Foundation, raised more than £20,000 after completing a 200 mile walk in 2004.

He is hoping the money raised in this latest walk will help fund new equipment to help in early diagnosis of the disease.

“I started walking for the Foundation 21 years ago from Derry to Dundalk and just got into it. I have met many children disabled through Meningitis and my heart goes out to them.

“The prisoners will do the first five days and the last two days with us. We are thankful to the Governor of Magilligan who has given us a minibus for the duration of the walk,” he said.

Magilligan Governor Tom Woods said both events showed how successfully the prison interacted with the local community.

“Both events involve the combined efforts of prison staff, inmates and members of the North West community, working together for the benefit of others. It confirms Magilligan Prison is an integral part of the community,” he added.


Notes to Editors

The walk for Malawi will begin at Coleraine Town Hall at 10.30am on Wednesday, 25 April. Anne Dallat, Officer Henry Thompson will be available for interview. Officer Thompson is taking part in both walks.

Anyone wishing to support the ‘Walking for Malawi’ cause should send their donations to HM Prison Magilligan marked ‘Malawi Appeal’ or subscribe along the route. The walk starts at Coleraine Town Hall and ends at the St Vincent de Paul Centre in Kilrea.

Those wishing to support the ‘Walk of Giants’ can give the Giant Walk hotline a call on 02890321283 or e mail giantwalk@meningitis-ni.org for a fundraising pack.

Related Link - http://giantwalk@meningitis-ni.org

Contact Details