Barry and Mags White with fundraisers before the start of a sponsored walk from the RVH to Craigavon to raise funds for Tiny Life. Photo by Simon Graham/Harrison Photography.

A MOIRA couple have raised over �8,000 for a premature baby charity by organising a 26 mile walk in memory of their late daughter.

Last Friday, Barry White (38) set out from the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital in Belfast to walk to Craigavon Area Hospital via Lisburn, Moira and Lurgan in aid of TinyLlife. Following the death of their beloved baby Megan, who was born in September last year weighing just 1lb 2.5oz, the smallest baby in the country at that time, Barry and his wife Mags (28) decided that they wanted to raise money for TinyLife - the charity that provided them with much needed support.

Megan fought bravely for six months and four days before her lungs failed on March 30. She had spent her short life between the Royal and Craigavon hospital with her proud parents never able to ever take her home. Speaking about the walk Mags said: "Myself and Barry made a presentation to the Unit at the Royal and, accompanied by around 10 walkers, began the day.

"Lunch was very kindly provided by Daltons of Lisburn, and much appreciated by ravenous walkers. The Four Trees in Moira provided afternoon refreshments later. Collections were made by 20 volunteers as the walk took place, and there were 30 walkers in total between the different legs of the event.

"The team arrived in Craigavon at 7.25pm -five minutes ahead of schedule - and were greeted by Dan Corr, Tiny Life's chairman. A presentation was then made to the Neonatal unit at Craigavon Area Hospital."

Barry said: ^�Megan's Walk', was a great success and we were over the moon to raise around �3,000 in collections which has brought our total to over �8,000 including sponsorship money - and there's more to come.

"We were so amazed and encouraged by the support for this event, and feel so privileged to be able to pay tribute to Megan and also raise the profile of Tiny Life."

After the walk Mags and Barry hosted a BBQ for the walkers and collectors that evening and a hot-tub was kindly sponsored by Oasis leisure.

The brave parents would like to thank all the participants on the day, including walkers and collectors and all who donated.

They would also like to give a special word of thanks to Lisburn City Council, Mount Charles, Daltons, Geddis & McKee Hardware, Oasis Leisure, Four Trees, Hagues, Jamisons Gas Centre, Sam Jordan of Mawhinneys Familiy Butchers Newtownards and Coca -Cola.

Updated totals can be accessed on www.justgiving.com/meganswalk (still open for donations).

jenny.monroe@jpress.co.uk

The walkers arriving in Lisburn last Friday	Barry and Mags White with Lisburn Mayor James Tinsley before the start of the sponsored walk from the RVH to Craigavon

Ulster Star
27/06/2008