A flute band has donated money raised for new uniforms to health workers battling Coronavirus.
The Shankill Old Boys handed over a cheque for £1,100 to be used for PPE needed by NHS staff.
Only formed late last year, the band’s 30 members had been practicing for their first parade at the Royal Landing pageant in Carrickfergus in June before the Covid-19 epidemic put all their plans on hold.
Treasurer Mark Harrison says that “with band practice suspended, we set up a group chat on Facebook to keep in touch”.
He added: “We’ve been fund-raising to complete our first uniform, but in discussion the other evening, members agreed that our NHS staff are more deserving at this time.”
The band then agreed to donate £1,100 of their funds towards personal protection equipment for NHS staff.
Mark says: “We’re all impressed by the dedication of hospital staff at this time and want to do all that we can to help protect them. We were fund-raising through a ‘Last Man Standing’ football competition and members agreed to include the proceeds from this in our donation.”
The Band, which practices at Whiterock Orange Hall off the Springfield Road in West Belfast, has presented their donation to North Belfast DUP MLA William Humphrey to pass on the appropriate authorities.
Mr Humphrey said: “This is a wonderful gesture of support for our front-line health workers. Given that the band is still fund-raising for their first uniform, it is very generous for them to put their own needs aside in order to help keep NHS doctors and nurses safe as they care for people suffering from Covid-19.
“I’m delighted to play a small part in passing on this donation which is a credit to the band and to the Greater Shankill community.”
