How Million Dollar Fitness raised £5260 in an amazing month of fundraising for Jamie’s Journie.
To celebrate the first anniversary of moving to bigger premises on Bond’s Hill, Team Million Dollar wanted to give something back to the community.
Dee McCahill, of Million Dollar Fitness at Bond’s Hill, explained, “I asked members to nominate local causes and we were introduced to Jamie’s mum Trisha. We realised that – by teaming up with Jamie’s Journie – every one of the children nominated would benefit instead of just one child. How can you choose one over another? Jamie’s Journie provides support as and when it is needed most, and 100% of donations go to the families of children and young people affected by cancer. It’s amazing”.
Jamie is 16 years old and has beaten cancer twice. His idea for Jamie’s Journie was to create a support group for families affected by childhood cancer in the North West.
To launch the campaign, over 40 people took part in a sponsored Errigal Climb, raising £1290. First to the top was 13-year-old Oisin Connolly. Despite the wind, climbers celebrated reaching the summit by performing extreme burpees. Jamie wasn’t well enough to be there but his parents greeted climbers as they returned to basecamp.
But that was only the start.
Members of Million Dollar Fitness took part in a Pledge My Pounds Challenge – for every pound in weight lost, Dee donated £1 and members pledged forfeits also. This raised £690.
A Hallowe’en Coffee Morning seemed like an unlikely event to be held in a gym, but members baked and gifted an amazing spread of cakes and treats, raising £425 in donations alone. Jamie and his family were on a much-needed respite weekend but were represented by little Kari Barrett in her superhero costume.
The draw for the Awesome Raffle also took place at the Coffee Morning. Over 20 prizes were donated by local businesses and ticket sales raised £1455.
The grand total raised was £5260. Dee presented the cheque to Jamie and a group of families from Jamie’s Journie last Saturday.
“I just do not have any words for these group of trainers and clients who have just blown me away by their enthusiam and kindness,” said Jamie on his Facebook page. “Dee and Co will be continuing to support Jamie’s Journie so please support this amazing group of people!”
Dee and her team are already organising more events to support Jamie’s Journie.
“I’ve seen some amazing things in my years of travelling around the world but NEVER have I experienced anything like the overwhelming support shown here in this community. Average folk from all walks of life, pulling together to help others less fortunate,” said Dee McCahill.
“Everybody has their struggles and we all deal with things differently but one act of kindness – no matter how small – can make a huge impact on another person’s life. Meeting Jamie, a 16 year old boy who’s battled Cancer twice has really put my own things into perspective and I have to say, I’ve learned an important lesson from all of this – don’t sweat the small stuff.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dee McCahill, Million Dollar Fitness, Tower Hall, Bond’s Hill, Derry /L’Derry BT48 6DW
Website milliondollartrainer.com
Email dee@milliondollartrainer.com
Direct Contact Number +44 7500 933 074
PR Enquiries +44 2871 414030
Notes to the Editor:
- Dee McCahill is available for an interview.
- Finalist for Belfast Telegraph Inspirational Woman Of the Year Award 2014
- Finalist in four categories of the What’s on 4 Me Awards 2014, a national event held at Earl’s Court in November and organised by Ideal Home
- Best Skill or Academic Learning Provider
- Best Slimming, Wellbeing or Lifestyle Service
- Best Sports, Health or Fitness Group (NI & Scotland)
- Most Inspirational Coach, Instructor or Tutor