11953287_1619003145049139_8147942698856494200_n-225x300Translations have taken part in a fundraiser walk for local charity, PIPS Larne. ‘Walk a mile in my shoes’ was a fun morning with a serious message on mental health issues. Men were required to walk a mile in high heels, and the ladies wore fireman boots, in a bid to receive donations for their new premises opening soon.

“After years of seaching in vain, the organsation –which seeks to aid those in despair and also support those who have lost a loved one through suicide – has managed to acquire its own premises.

But the facility, formerly Woodside’s premises on Main Street, is in dire need of renovation before it can open its doors to those in need. Founder of PIPS Larne, Carlee Letson told the Times that the charity needed about £30,000 to bring the building up to scratch.”The building has been divided into two separate premises and we will be located in the one directly facing Quay Street,” she said. “Our premises,which covers two floors, will contain a charity shop, counselling rooms, relaxation/complimentary therapy rooms, a kitchen and an office. It will also be wheelchair friendly.

“We really do hope that we will get the support of our community and local businesses to get our premises open to the public as quickly as possible.”PIPS Larne is a totally voluntary group working in the East Antrim area, which relies heavily on donations from the public to deliver its vital range of services.

Carlee said: “A number of fundraising events have already been held to help us raise funds for our new premises, such as the Virtual 5K organised by Stealth Translations Ltd, and our own Walk a Mile In My Shoes event, which took place on Saturday.

“Other events are in the pipeline, including the Larne Hoopathon.” Anyone who would like to support PIPS Larne can do so at www.justgiving.com/pips-larne

Published on 10th September by www.larnetimes.co.uk