Dame Esther award for Christine’s virtual workouts

Christine Bowden, 33, from Newry, a children’s services practitioner for the charity’s Young Witness Service, has been honoured by her colleagues and praised by Dame Esther Rantzen, the founder and president of Childline.

Christine was one of a handful of NSPCC staff and volunteers who received an Esther Award, named in honour of Dame Esther, which recognises innovative and brilliant ideas that make a difference to children and young people.

Christine, who has always been passionate about fitness and exercise, raised £1,930 for the charity by hosting a gruelling 26-day virtual fitness fundraiser as part of the lead up to the NSPCC’s Childhood Day on June 21.

Speaking on her win, Christine said: “When I discovered I was nominated for an Esther Award for the work I did for the Countdown to Childhood Day Challenge, I was overwhelmed and filled with gratitude to be considered as a nominee. Then, when I found out I won the award, it was one of the most momentous experiences I’ve had as part of my time with the NSPCC Young Witness Service to date.”

The fitness fanatic also said the message behind the fundraiser was important to her.

“Being able to use the fundraiser to raise awareness for the NSPCC Northern Ireland and the services they offer to children and their families that are ‘Still Here’ during uncertain times was an important factor. The feedback we received online in response to the fundraiser was overwhelming. I knew the message was being shared across various social platforms which was a massive objective of mine.”

Christine said her favourite moment was the virtual sports day she and the team took part in.

“Everyone made such an effort to dress up and bring their inner child to the final fitness challenge and celebrate Childhood Day. It was filled with fun and games that we all loved about sports day growing up.”

Commenting on Christine’s win, Dame Esther said: “Christine’s fundraising fitness challenge is an idea that deserves media attention and national recognition. Lockdown has not helped anyone’s fitness. And it also creates isolation and loneliness for so many people.

“It’s terrific news that Christine have found a way to spread fun, improve people’s health and raise funds for us. I have always hugely admired the Young Witness Service and I now I have a new reason, thank you to Christine. Congratulations!”

The Young Witness Service, which is the only service of its kind throughout the UK and covers all of Northern Ireland, provides support and assistance to children and young people under 18 years old who have to attend court as prosecution witnesses in Northern Ireland. It operates in every local crown, magistrate and youth court in Northern Ireland and in 2019-20 offered support to 480 young witnesses across Northern Ireland.

The service has continued to support children and young people throughout the pandemic.