It was an emotional day for many last Saturday when family, friends and colleagues of the late Peter Jones walked Cuilcagh Mountain in his memory to raise funds for the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance (NIAA).
The family of the late Boho man – who died in July of last year – described the walk organised by Peter’s employers, Tracey Concrete, as a "perfect" day.
At the time of going to print, more than £12,000 has been raised as part of fundraising for the walk.
Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Peter’s son, Leigh, said: “It was hard, but it was nice to see so many people. There were pictures of him up and quotes; he would have used a quote book for any time he was giving speeches, or giving team talks in football.
“Even granny – dad’s mum, Teresa – was brought up in a car to where the boardwalk starts, and she was able to chat to people as they were going up for the walk.”
Peter was a man deeply rooted in his community, from Botha Parish to Boho Youth Club to Derrygonnelly Harps GAA, and Leigh and the entire family noted a strong contingent from the organisations.
He added: “When we went up, nearly every other person you met on the walk was wearing a Derrygonnelly top.”
Peter’s family, his wife, Martina, and children, Leigh, Nicola, Nathan, Naomi, Aaron and Ronan, wish to say a special thank-you to Tracey Concrete for organising the walk in memory of Peter, who loved the outdoors and walking.
Leigh added: “Dad would have been in his element; it was perfect.”
The Tracey’s Concrete team said: “The turnout on Saturday and the total raised so far just shows the value of man that Peter was. He was part of our family, and everyone wanted to get involved and to do this for him, whether that be down to organising the event and taking part.
“There must have been well over 200 people climb Cuilcagh in memory of Peter, which is just amazing. We were also delighted that so many of Peter's family and friends came to join us, including his mother, cheering everyone on from the sidelines.”
Tracey’s Concrete also wished to put forward a special thanks for all of those who helped make the event happen.
“We would like to thank McBride's Spar who provided us with fruit and water. The Jones family, who made delicious traybakes. Diamond Cabs for supplying multiple buses free of charge. John Sheridan and theboardwalk.ie team for free car parking. The Three Way Inn for the brilliant BBQ. Mountain Rescue, the PSNI, Marble Arch Caves, The Westville Hotel, Dympna McKenzie and everyone who donated to the raffle.
Donations are still arriving at https://tinyurl.com/2hdx4zd7, which is still accepting donations if you would like to help support the NIAA in Peter's memory.
To get in touch with Tracey’s Concrete, email headoffice@traceyconcrete.com, or call 028 6632 6437.
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