August 8 In the Press

Stunning private estate to open in support of the Caledon village defibrillator

By Eleanor McGillie

THE Earl of Caledon KCVO has given his full support to a fundraising initiative which will see the grounds of his 2,500 acre estate open on August 20 for guided walks to raise funds for the village defibrillator.

This is a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of the luscious green countryside surrounding the beautiful private residence which includes a 250 acre deer park, the estate’s pinetum, courtyards, bear cave, ice cave and bone house.

The story of the grounds of the estate, which opened to the public last year for the first time in 20 years to raise money for the village church, will be told by Farm Estate Manager, Christopher Gill, along with representatives from the Caledon Regeneration Partnership.

Speaking in support of the guided walks, the Earl of Caledon KCVO, said: “I am delighted to support such a worthwhile fundraiser and hope the day proves successful and enjoyable.”

The Caledon defibrillator, which is mounted in an illuminated cabinet on the wall of the old courthouse which stands in the centre of the village, was purchased with funding from DARD under the Micro Capital Grant scheme.

The community in Caledon has pulled together to help pay for training 25 community volunteers, training which was supported by The Cormac Trust- a trust set up by the family of Cormac McAnallen who died on March 2, 2004, to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

The Caledon Regeneration Partnership has also secured £150 from The Emerson’s Foundation to purchase paediatric pads so the defibrillator can be used on children aged from one to eight-years-old.

Speaking on behalf of the Caledon Regeneration Partnership, Sandra Mortimer said the guided walks is a fantastic way to raise money for this vital lifeline.

She said: “We are delighted the Earl of Caledon KCVO is supporting us by opening the grounds to his stunning private estate. This is a rare opportunity and we are extremely grateful as always for the Earl of Caledon’s support.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported our fundraising initiatives to raise money for training and to DARD for the vital funding. Our appreciation goes to The Cormac Trust for offering us advice and providing this essential training.

“Booking is essential for the walks which will take 90 minutes and people are advised to wear sturdy footwear. Parking is available in the village.”

The Caledon Estate Walk is already gaining lots of interest and numbers are limited. To book your place please e-mail sandra@caledonregenerationpartnership.com or call (028) 3756 9899 on either Monday or Friday between 9am and 4pm.

Tickets for the walk cost £5 per person and all proceeds are in aid of the Caledon Defibrillator Fund.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR:

For further information please contact Eleanor McGillie at MGMPR LTD by emailing eleanor@mgmpr.co.uk or calling 028 3756 9569 or 07709805379 | Brand Journalism UK | Brand Journalism Northern Ireland | Brand Journalism Experts | PR Northern Ireland | Public Relations UK

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