Last Chance to Join Fields of Life in the Jubilee Beacon Fundraising Event at Slieve Donard

Portadown-based charity, Fields of Life, has been chosen to light the beacon at the highest point of Northern Ireland as part of the official celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. This will take place at the top of Slieve Donard on the 4 June and will coincide with the lighting of beacons at the three other highest peaks in the UK, moments prior to the Queen lighting the National Beacon at Buckingham Palace at 10.30pm.

The local charity, who works to bring positive change to communities in East Africa through the provision of quality education, clean water and health promotion, was nominated by pageantmaster Bruno Peek OBE MVO OPR, in recognition of the valuable work they carryout to help the children of Northern Uganda.

To assist the charity in its work, Fields of Life is also urging up to 500 volunteers to join them in the climb which will be led by TV presenter Lynda Bryans.

David Charleton, director for Fields of Life explains, “We are both honoured and privileged to have been chosen as the only Northern Ireland charity to take part in the four peak beacon celebrations but also hope that we can use this opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of the vulnerable children in Uganda.”

As recently highlighted by the online viral campaign, Kony 2012, this area has been torn apart by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army and the horrific crimes of leader Joseph Kony.  With the abduction of more than 60,000 children as young as eight years old who are then forced to fight in the army, Fields of Life works with communities to try and rehabilitate those affected.

David added, “We are asking up to 500 people to join us on 4 June and take part in a sponsored climb of the highest mountain in Northern Ireland. We hope if everyone taking part can try to raise £150, we would have the £75,000 necessary to build a primary school which will directly benefit orphans and former child soldiers.  By providing an opportunity for education, this literally gives them a chance for survival and hope for the future.

“This unique event will mark a significant and historic occasion in the Queen’s reign while at the same time bringing hope to hundreds of children in Uganda.”

Places are still available and there is still plenty of time to collect your sponsorship after the event. For more information or to register to take part, please contact Helen Keown at the Fields of Life office on 02838 390395 or email [email protected] or visit www.fieldsoflife.com