04/04/2025
Staff at Erne House, Omagh have been busy training to complete the Omagh Half Marathon which takes place on Sunday 06 April 2025 to help support the fundraising efforts in memory of Kevin Loughrey a former patient at Lime Villa, Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital who sadly passed away last year. The professionals lacing up their trainers represent Social Work, Pharmacy, Occupational Health and Nursing, all of whom had direct input into Kevin’s care on Lime Ward.
Michael Collins, Hospital Social Worker, Adult Mental Health Crisis Team explained:
“I am a keen runner and member of Omagh Tri Club and when Kevin’s dad Conor approached the team about their fundraising efforts to support the creation of a Sensory Room in Lime Ward and how he was planning to participate in this year’s Omagh Half Marathon, we were all keen to lend our support. My colleagues and I in Lime Ward who were involved in caring for Kevin expressed our wish to also get involved and show how taking part in physical activity can benefit our emotional and mental wellbeing. As healthcare practitioners we sometimes forget how the simple pleasure of walking or running or just going outside in nature can have a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Some of my colleagues have done a bit of running but others are really pushing themselves out of their comfort zone to take on the half marathon challenge! It has been a wonderful opportunity for all of us to bond and the support of our colleagues and family has been wonderful. It really has been a very positive experience and we are excited and a little bit nervous as the race gets closer.”
Lime Ward Manager Dean Pollock added:
“We are incredibly humbled and privileged that the Loughrey family has chosen to fundraise to help support the creation of a Sensory Room in Lime Villa which will greatly assist patients and the staff who provide treatment and care of patients with a range of complex and enduring mental health issues and provide a safe environment to help with their recovery. Conor also hopes that through the generosity of people in the local community that we will be able to purchase additional equipment for the benefit of patients and staff in both Lime and Elm Wards. Thank you so much to Conor and the Loughrey family for their kindness and wish them well in all their fundraising events.”
Speaking about the fundraising in memory of his son Kevin, Conor Loughrey said:
“We are hoping to create a Sensory Room in memory of Kevin in Lime Villa. This is a special room designed to develop a person’s sense usually through special lighting, music and object and provide a safe and comfortable environment for individuals who experience sensory processing difficulties. We would like thank the many supporters who have contributed to this very worthwhile cause as well as those who are participating in the Omagh Half Marathon, the 5km run and the hike on Slieve Donard which we are climbing on 26 April 2025 to raise awareness.”
“I would also like to thank Peter Dolan and the many Run for Enda trainers who have helped me and many others prepare for the half marathon event. We look forward to taking part in the half marathon and are very grateful for the support and cheers from our wonderful supporters and the people of Omagh who will be giving us the extra push to cross the finish line on Sunday 06 April 2025!”