Teams of soldiers are preparing for a unique fundraiser tomorrow to ‘pull in’ extra funding for families affected by the Creeslough tragedy.
The ‘Pull for Creeslough’ challenge, organised by Corporal John Gallagher from Donegal, will see three platoons of the 66th Infantry Group UNDOF in Syria competing against each other by pulling an 18 tonne Mowag Piranha 3 Armoured Personnel Carrier over a distance of one hundred metres.
It’s the ultimate test of strength and endurance that the soldiers are eager to take on to help those who are suffering in the aftermath of the explosion on Friday 7th October.
A native of Downings/Carrigart, John often visits the village at the centre of the explosion in which ten people lost their lives.
Three of John’s colleagues serving with the Defence Forces lost relatives when an explosion ripped through the heart of the town’s Apple Green Service Station.
He said he and his colleagues wanted to come up with a unique way to raise funds to help the victims of the tragedy.
And unique it is!
Corporal John Gallagher
The teams competing on January 17th include the 1st and 2nd mechanised platoons and CSG/RECCE and the team with the fastest time will be crowned the Strongest Platoon.
However, John said the most important thing is that as much money can be raised as possible for the victims of the tragedy.
He said “It’s our way of honouring all those affected by this awful tragedy but also our small way of giving something back to that community which many of us know very well.
“Three of our Comrades serving within the defence forces lost family members in this terrifying disaster.
“This really brought it home to me and this is why myself and the members of the 66th Infantry Group UNDOF and would like to do something to offer our support and condolences to the people of Creeslough.
“We want to help Creeslough to move forward but also to let them know that they are in our thoughts and prayers.”
The group has already surpassed its initial goal of €2,000 thanks to the kindness of people donating on their Go Fund Me page and would like to raise as much money as possible before the event on January 17th.
John stressed that every cent raised will go towards the Creeslough Fund to help the families in any way.
If you would like to log onto the group’s Go Fund Me page see https://gofund.me/d0aab501
