Injured ex-UDR man’s epic challenge to boost mental health services

Grant Weir, originally from Lisbellaw in Co Fermanagh but now living in Ballinamallard, was left with mobility issues following the terrorist attack near Rosslea in 1979, but is attempting to walk the 26-mile marathon distance over an eight to ten week period.

Grant suffered mental as well as physical injuries, and his family has first-hand experience of the increased demand being placed on vital services as the lockdown restrictions result in more terror victims, military veterans and others seeking help.

The blast that changed Grant’s life forever also claimed the life of missionary Sylvia Crowe and injured two others.

He will set off from the gates of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Lisnskea at 11.30am on Wednesday, Armistice Day, accompanied by a number of people who lost limbs as a result of terrorist violence.

The Weir family has set up a go fund me page with all money raised being divided between the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) and The Ely Centre, Enniskillen, who provide support to veterans and other victims/survivors impacted by the Troubles.

In a statement, the family said: “Our objective as a family, beyond fundraising, is to raise awareness of the needs of the injured, their carers and also the importance of practicing positive mental health and wellbeing.

“We wish to send out that if Grant can succeed then so too can others; through courage and determination much is possible.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at ‘Going For a Walk Hi’, but the charities can also accept donations at their respective offices which will then be forwarded to the family.

Donations should be inside envelopes marked – Going For a Walk Hi (Grant Weir fundraiser).

SEFF’s Director of Services Kenny Donaldson said: “Grant lights up a room or space wherever he is; he is renowned for his cheeky personality and it has been our pleasure as a group to know him and his family for several years.

“We are however acutely aware that Grant can also be challenging to care for and we wish to pay tribute to his family; to Michele Nixon and her immediate family whom Grant lives with but also the wider Weir family circle who provide a wraparound family care for Grant which is second to none”.

“We are pleased to work in partnership with the family and The Ely Centre on this issue and to help promote awareness of mental health issues but also the role provided by carers”.

Mr Donaldson added: “Fittingly Grant steps off from the gates of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Lisnaskea on Remembrance Day. On the SEFF Memorial located within the grounds of the graveyard is Sylvia Crowe, with whom Grant’s circumstances are so intimately connected.

“We are aware that many different individuals and groups will be by his side through this challenge, walking with him (observing social distancing rules as necessary).”

Director of Services at the Ely Centre Lee McDowell said: “The demand on services as a result of the ongoing pandemic is rapidly increasing. No more acutely is this felt more than in our mental health services.

“For many veterans and victims alike, prolonged periods of isolation coupled with genuine health concerns is leading to an increasing referral rate to our mental health services. Efforts to raise additional funding to support these services are crucial to enable us support as many people as we can during these uncertain times and we all thank Grant for this endeavour”.

Mr McDowell added: “Whilst monetary donations are always welcome if you would like to put feet to your support by walking alongside Grant for a part of this fundraising effort, please contact us, SEFF or the family”.

Jim Dixon, chairperson at The Ely Centre Chairperson said they commend Grant and his family for developing this fundraising idea and “wish him every blessing as he embarks on this challenge”.

Mr Dixon went on to say: “We are honoured that additional funding towards our mental health services will be supported as a result of Grant’s efforts and we thank him for this nomination.”

Weir family statement in full:

“On 17th July 1979 life forever changed for the Weir Family. Grant then aged 22 years was part of a UDR patrol when the provisional IRA detonated a bomb.

Grant suffered a serious head injury resulting in both physical and mental disabilities.

Colleagues sustained minor-moderate injuries. Standing at nearby bus stop were three civilian woman; Sylvia Crowe and her mother and a Mrs Murray. Tragically Sylvia, a church missionary, lost her life.

Grant battled for his life for many months afterwards and was not expected to pull through, but remarkably 41 years later he is still here and in relatively good health.

That said Grant requires 24/7 care and lives with his sister/main carer Michele Nixon, other members of the family also contribute in the care of Grant.

A big issue for the family is mental health and the need to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

In this regard, Grant with the support of his family will embark upon an ambitious undertaking to walk the equivalent of a marathon over a two-month period.

Fittingly Grant commences this challenge on Remembrance Day and he takes his first steps suited and booted with his Northern Ireland medal proudly worn and painfully gained.

The aim is that Grant will complete the marathon distance by 31st January 2021.

All monies raised through this campaign will be for the promotion of positive mental health and wellbeing assisting two local charities to provide counselling and therapeutic-based services.

The charities; Ely Centre and South East Fermanagh Foundation have been chosen as they provide ongoing support to Grant and the family.

Our objective as a family; beyond fundraising is to raise awareness of the needs of the injured, their carers and also the importance of practicing positive mental health and wellbeing.

We wish to send out that if Grant can succeed then so too can others; through courage and determination much is possible.”

UDR man’s family breaks silence over pension plan for terrorists’

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