NI parents get their buggies at the ready for charity challenge

The charity challenge in support of NSPCC NI has been organised by Athletics Northern Ireland who host a twice-weekly training session for parents who wish to bring their children along in buggies.

The Buggy Club NI sessions are designed for parents and babies to socialise and get training. They are open to anyone returning to sport after having children, or those who feel like taking up a fun, new hobby.

The club has grown over the years into a strong, supportive community and during lockdown it took to Facebook for virtual sessions, supporting parents and babies in their own homes, before being able to resume some form of regular training session once again.

Of the Christmas Challenge, Buggy Club NI coach Heather Ardis said: “As well as being great fun, this exercise helps boost the mental and physical health of the participants while allowing them to socialise with others in similar situations. It is the mental and physical welfare of children and their parents and carers that is at the very heart of what we do.

“Due to the ongoing restrictions, normal races, fun runs and walks have been cancelled, so we put together the Christmas Challenge to help keep people moving, with training plans available to allow participants to challenge themselves to run a virtual 5k, 10k or a half marathon.

“We are absolutely delighted that the funds raised by this event will support the work of NSPCC Northern Ireland which helps children who may be facing a difficult Christmas.”

Susan Smith, fundraiser at NSPCC Northern Ireland, said: “We are thrilled that the Buggy Club NI has chosen NSPCC Northern Ireland to benefit from this wonderful and original event especially during this very difficult year which has changed our lives and our children’s lives too.

“We’ve heard from children feeling the pressure on their mental health and from others who have felt trapped in unsafe homes, without the support of school or friends and we’ve had to work differently and keep adapting to be here for children when we are needed.”

She said in the last seven months NSPCC’s Childline service has held 776 counselling sessions with children and young people from Northern Ireland who have struggled with their mental and emotional health.

Susan said: “With the coronavirus crisis threatening to make this Christmas even tougher for children suffering from abuse or neglect, this support from Buggy Club NI is so very welcome.”

Find out more at the Buggy Club NI Facebook page.