What craic. First of all Kelly talked me into fund raising for Ruby’s Pre-School group in Aghadowey by bag packing at Tesco between 5 and 7.30pm on Friday 2 September.
I have to be the worst bag packer ever. After 15 minutes the sweat was licking off me. Johnny, who was on the checkout, abandoned me and hid (kidding honey bunny). But he did swap me for the cool blonde bag packer beside me. Mind you I gave her a way in as I disappeared and sat down to get my breath back.
This lovely man was sitting beside me and he and his wife Anna May gave us £5. That’s really generous for pensioners who don’t have much to live on. Anna May has a rare skin condition and she is so brave and such a trooper. I would be squealing in pain and self-pity. I have never seen anything more raw and painful. I learned a lesson in strength.
Another lovely man took sympathy at my moaning and groaning and asked what time I’d started. When I told him 5.00pm and it was only 5.30 he looked at me and took it back. Everyone burst out laughing. It was great craic but I can tell you this … I don’t know how the staff keep it up and remain smiling. I didn’t realise how hard it is. I skived off to do my own shopping for a breather. You guys and girls on the checkouts and shelf stacking know who you are and I take my hat off to you.
Next day the Ballymoney Postmen did their annual van pull for Cancer Research. They are the most wonderful guys. They care so much about the folks on their routes and go out of their way to be the very best friends they can be to those who may never see anyone except for them from day to day. They are compassionate and hardworking and full of fun. I wish I’d brought the camera to get a group picture. Those smiling faces should be recorded.
By all accounts the Ballymoney folks and those coming to shop from other towns dug deep. The guys expect to have raised a record amount. Bless them and everyone who stepped up and contributed to this truly great cause. Every penny counts in the fight against this awful disease. There are so many different forms of cancer so it’s an uphill struggle. I don’t want to be morbid but there are an awful lot of people suffering from cancer and every one of us has the potential to become a sufferer.
Next year I am coming to cheer you along lads and I’m wearing a stamp. TeeHee. Don’t ask me to pull or shove … the ole knees are knackered and so is the back after the bag packing. There are peeps who will slap me for putting their veg in with their washing power. Sorry my dears.
Sammy Graham, Adrian Nicholl, Andrew Kinnaird and all the other guys are my heroes. Next year you guys are coming here after the pull and I am making a huge pot of stew.
Thank you for the flowers and lovely thank you letter. What are you like? I am trying to thank you and you are thanking me and I have to find a way to thank you … this is potentially a work in progress. And they call me Mad Mandy?
Everyone who has cancer thanks you from the bottom of their hearts. And the pensioners who you take time to shot the breeze with would hug you to bits. Well done all of you. Love Mx
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